Year: 1873

overstrained and broken, the mind wound
up to too great pitch of excitement, may
yield to the pressure, its rich melodies are
gone forever; it is dead to all external i'm
pulses; to the hand that of old called forth
its music, it will respond no more. We
cannot tell what such excitement is unless
we have passed through similar ordeal;
but we may form, by comparison, some
faint idea of it; we are, perhaps, awaiting
a companion with whom we have settled to
make some excursion; as the time for start
ing approaches, how restless we move
about-looking every moment at the clock
asking again and again how much more
time there is-eagerly scanning every new
conner, and all for some trifing cause,
which will be forgotten month hence.
Then think what would be the agony of
excitement if all our prospects of happiness
and success in life depended'upon that ex-
pected arrival.


Meantime Edgar had driven as fast as
possible to the town where the registrar re-
sided, full of fears that he might be from
home; but he found him, obtained the IL
cense, and now his difficulties seemed to
clear away. He had come depressed with
anxiety; he returned buoyant with hope.
The gray road and shaddowy hedges disap-
peared, and in their stead the wide mead
ow lands of Australia seemed to spread
around him, and in the distance rose his
future home, bathed in the moonlight. A
loud shout awoke him from his reverie,
and he heard some one call to him, Your
ship is going round the bend"


The Vixen had sailed, though the frigate
still lay at anchor. Edgar, almost frantic,
rushed to the rectory for Alice, and then
back to Pitchton. There the people were
all excitement; they had not learned to ap-
preciate the polish of selfishness; conven-
tionalism had not yet petrified their SYM
pathies; there was as much hustle as if the
two strangers had been their oldest friends.
A boat was got out of harbor, sails were
bent, provisions enough to stock a fleet
were volunteered all sides, sailors enough
to man frigate offered their services; and
Edgar, having hurried on board with AL
ice, they set sail amid the tears of the
women and the good wishes of the men.


For a night and day they pursued the
hopeless chase, nor did they return to
Pitchton until every chance had vanished.
Edgar was ruined man; his appointment
was lost, and with it all his hopes of sue
cess in life. The little property which had
belonged to him he had sold, and invested
all his money in his outfit, or ON stock
which was now on its way to the other side
of the world. But, at all events, he had
not lost his bride. So, instead of sitting
down to lament his misfortunes, he deter
mined to bear them as best he might, and
be married forthwith. So the next day
the ceremony was performed, and half the
town attended; and the rector gave we'd
ding breakfast, and the bankers wife made
Alice handsome present, and everybody
did what he could to dissipate the air Of
melancholy which would have attended the
marriage. Edgar then left for London,
carrying from Pitchton many good wishes
but having little hope himself.


But the rector wrote to the Home Office
mentioning the popularity of the circum-
stances, and representing that Edgar had
been ashore ON leave, aud that the transport
sailed before the frigate, contrary to the
express promise of the master. In few
days an answer was received, stating that
in consequence of Edgar's good character
situation of equivalent value had beer
provided for him, with compensation foi
his losses.


So, in due time, the young couple were
reaping the fruits Of their energy and per
severance, and realizing in Australia the
pictures of happiness they had often con
jured up at home. To those who despond
under difficulties and are ready TO yield tC
the suggestions Of despair, this true histo
.ry may perhaps speak words Of encourage
ment.