Year: 1871

neither seen nor heard her. She did not
speak until she had unseen by him, grasped
him tightly. One expression of fear, one
needless sound, and my boy would inevita-
bly, have been killed. We Immediately
took him to his mother who was speech
less with terror. 1t grieves me even now
TO think how she suffered


The nurse, through whose negligence
the child was so nearly lost, was sent away
but many months passed ere we forgot the
peril our little Harry had been in.


That incident endeared Miss Porson more
than ever to us. We admired her disinter-
estedness so much, for she positively re-
fused to accept valuable ring which my
wife wished to present to her.


We were at breakfast one morning, when,
amongst the letters in the post-bag, we
found pretty perfumed envelope with a
crest upon it. / gave it to my wife with a
SMILE it was from her favorite friend,
Mrs. Emily Tenrhyn fashionable and
certainly beautiful little widow, young and
wealthy, full of whim and caprice not the
least strange of which was her sudden re-
solve to pass month with us in our seclu-
sion. The chambers were prepared, for the
lady brought with her maid of little less
importance than herself.


Emily was an old schoolfellow Of my
wife's, and Notwithstanding difference of
some years in their respective ages, there
existed between them warm and devoted
attachment. Whenever my wife could tear
herself from the fascinations of New
Rochelle, it was to visit her friend and
whenever the lady grew tired of variety
and flattery, and the weary ways of the
world, she would seek refuge at our home.


We had not seen Emily for five years.
She had made a long stay ON the Cont
nent so long, that we began to think she
would pass the rest of her life thele. But
the pretty pink envelope contained a pink
note, stating that she was quite worn out
with fatigue, and was longing for few
quiet weeks with her ever dearest Laura.


My wife was delighted, and dwelt long
upon the many and endearing charms of
her friend. liked Emily very much, but
l never shared my wife's raptures. l knew
and admitted all the good qualities of her
ladyship; but Icould not forget that she,
a young and lovely girl of eighteen, had
married an old man of seventy, who had
nothing to recommend him but position and
wealth.


At his death which happened four years
after their marriage, she had the whole OF
his property. could not call her mercen-
AIRY, for she had a kind, generous heart
still know no one better able to take care
of herself than Mrs. Tenryhn.


"Coming on Tuesday," said my wife
"it is short notice but as she wants quiet
she will not care about having any one i'll
vited to meet her the first week"


"No," replied laughing. "You will
require week for the Continental adven-
lures slain knights, extinguished barons,
and despairing counts, are not SO easily dis.
posed Of"


Now, Charles" said my wife, " that is
not fair, you know. Emily is not co.
quette. She cannot help being admired
and sought after She likes telling me
about her lovers, because she knows il
amuses me-"


To please Laura l declared my convic.
tion of her friends amiability, and she
went on rejoicing in her preparations.


The important Tuesday came, and
brought with it our fair and fascinating
guest, gay and animated as ever, and moi
one whit less lovely. Well, it was pleasant
after all to see Emily again. Her travelling
carriage was fairly stocked with presents
the children revelled in Partisan dolls with
toilets recherche enough for the Imperial
Court of France. My little son staggered
beneath the weight of Noah's ark Of sur
passing beauty. Emily we'll knew how to
gain the hearts of children.


The first week of her visit passed quiet
ly enough it was in fact, one long conyer
sation. During the second we became
more animated drives and picnics broke
the usual routine. Then we went to {
few solemn dinner-parties after which
Emily declared we must have merry
evening and get up charade.


The day before our entertainment W.
were all together in the library. Emily wal
arranging some charade dresses, the chill.
dren helping her in state of bewildored
delight, quiet Miss Person doing all thu
practical part Of the business.


"I want q small piece Of white elastic II
finish this" cried Emily ; and there wa
an immediate rush Of children TO the work
basket. None could be found.