Year: 1877

.- LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.


Major Lyndhurst, on perceiving his daugh'
ter, hurried forward in dismay, closely follow
ed BY the no less anxious Roger, for both
readily OWNED, by the expression of suffering
she was unable to conceal, that some disaster
had occurred. A few words explained the
state of affairs, and the old gentleman, rellev-
ed to find matters no worse, regained his COM
posure sufficiently to turn to the young stran-
ger and thank him for the timely assistance
he had rendered his daughter, at the same
time inviting him to accompany them home
and partake of their evening meal.


"You have, indie ed, proved friend, and l
shall be glad to know more of you" were his
concluding words, as he warmly shook the
hand of his new acquaintance, whose pale
cheek flushed slightly, whether with embar-
rassment or qualification it could not be
known, at this cordial expression of goodwill.
Briefly, though with much courtesy, he sig
ni6ed his readiness to accept the protfered
hospitality, and the party, without farther de-
lay, proceeded on their way to the ranch.


By the time they arrived there, E7elyn's
suAerings had become so severe as to be al
most insupportable, at least to one so totally
unaccustomed to pain and for some time
everybody's attention was entirely given up
to providing for her comfort. Once able to
lie down and relieved from the pressure OF
her boot, she felt easier, and soon the healing
remedies, which Rose assiduously applied,
proved sufficiently e6ectual to ease the ap'
prehension of her attendants. She at length
fell into refreshing sleep, and her sister was
able to join the rest of the party at the tea
table.


The stranger, who had given his name as
Julian Morville, was already engaged in ear
nest conversation with his host; but this he
instantly suspended on Roses entrance, and
looked up, with undisguised anxiety in his
couutenance, to hear her reply to her fathers
inquiry, how Evelyn was feeling now?


"Oh, think she is much better, papa. l
suppose her ankle will be painful for some
time, but don't think it is at all seriously
injured. She is sound asleep now, which
proves that she is suffering comparatively lit
tle."


"A sprained ankle is no light matter, Miss
Rose" said old Martin, who was lowering
around. "I've known it to lay folks aside for
longer time than broken bone"


II hope that won't be the case this time,
Roger, at all events" rejoined tranquil Rose.
"Papa, shall I pour you out some more tea?
You have had one cup already, 1 perceive"


Young Morville, watching her serene face
and quiet movements, felt thrill of impa-
tience almost of resentment, at what he
deemed want of sisterly interest and dis
ouietude on her part. A most unreasonable,
and, as it would appear, most unwarrantable
sentiment on the part of one so entirely
stranger as himself. But somehow, be did not
feel as though he were stranger. He seemed
suddenly to have become identified with this
family among which he had unexpected fall
len at least, in one respect, that of absorbing
interest ir the welfare of its youngest member.
He felt in kind of dream, listening to the
talk around him, and forcing himself to re-
spond, yet all the time thinking of the beau
tiful girl to whose aid kind fate had so auspi.
cously brought him, and longing for another
glance at her suffering face, and at the won
derful dark eyes whose pathetic gaze had sent
thrill down into the depths of his soul. Eve
lyn injured, Evelyn in distress, was quite a
different being from Evelyn in her wonted
light.hearted mood but perhaps the impress
ion she had made on him at this time was
deeper and more ineffaceable than would have
been that produced by her usual gay and
Joyous aspect and willful mode Of speech


care you going much farther to-night?'
asked Major Lyndhurst, as his guest at length
reluctantly rose to take leave.


"Indeed," rejoined young Morville with a
smile, II scarcely know myself how far am
going. I am merely visitor in this part of
the world-a sort of vagabond tourist, in
fact-and had formed no definite plan in re-
gard to my arrangements for the night"


"In that case, beg you will remain with
u.s." cordially exclaimed Major Lyndhurst.
II could not suffer you to leave my roof in
such uncertainty as to your destination. We
have a spare room at your disposal, and shall
be delighted to have you occupy it"


Equally surprised and gratifed at this in
vitation, Julian hesitated, but only for mo-
ment, in his decision. He thought of Evelyn
and of the chances of seeing her on the NOR
row, and accepted it, though not without an
apology for the unlooked-for trouble he was
causing.


"Trouble No trouble at all, my dear sir ;
we do not frequently enjoy the pleasure of
entertaining guests whose society is as accep-
table as yours" was the reply, for the Major
had taken quite fancy to bis new friend,
whom be cleared perceived to be gentle
man. Had he felt any doubt on the latter
point, he would not so readily have admitted
him into the sacred limits of his household
circle


All this time they had been sitting in the
leafy verandah, it being too warm to remain
within doors, and the light thrown upon them
from the open sitting-room windows had not
been sufficiently strong to reveal their faces
distinctly to one another's view. AS Major
Lyndhurst took up lighted candle, and
turned to invite Julian to follow him to his
room, an exclamation of astonishment invol-
UNFAIRLY escaped his lips.


"What likeness |" he exclaimed, looking
..,,oetlr ;nto tho faaturea Of the yonnu stran.