Year: 1873


accounts of the family discord existing among
us. As I expected, soon after the day OF the
reception, she had spread the report, far and
wide, that John Leslie's wife and sisters were
leading a perfect "cat and dog" life, and as
for poor Miss Patsy, she was obliged to take
to her bed, to get rid of the quarreling.


Of course, there was no truth in this state
ment. We had all found Mary most lively
and lovable character, and her repugnance tc
occupy the position that Johns wife should
have held in his house, was the only possible
cause of disagreement between us. After this
subject had been once thoroughly discussed
everything went on smoothly.


One morning, about six months after the
wedding, while we were seated at the break
fast table, the mail was brought in. There
was letter with a foreign post mark for Mary
which she had no sooner opened, than, with
face beaming with joy, she turned to he'
husband and said


"Oh! John, he is coming; he may be here
this very day."


"Who, my darling"


"Brother Harry and he is coming to Elm
wood first, instead of going home. You see
how much he loves me"


shall never forget the look Of exultation
which was on her face, as she said this. Ii
was the first time that any ofus had ever seen
her show deep emotion, and I think even John
was little surprised at her manner. But the
excitement was only momentary. She was
soon herself again. She told US she had moi
seen her brother for four years, but he was
coming home now to remain. Then turning
to Nellie, she added


II know you will like him, Nell, for he is
full of fun and mischief"


"Thank you, Mary, for your good opinion
So it is only the wild, rattle-brain young mer
who are supposed to be congenial with me
It is strange, that after associating as init
mately as I have done, with Matte and your
self for the past six months, l should moi
have lost some of the hilarity which is par'
of nv nature. However, if brother Harry
likes me as we'll as do his little sister, Ishal
have no further cause Of complaint, at moi
being appreciated by my own family"


"Come, Nellie" said I, "don't talk non
sense; you know you are the pet and darling
of US all; so there is no occasion for your try
ing to work on Mr.. Worthington's sympathies
If he likes you, it will not be because hi
pities you"


81 fancy Harry feels as if he knew all o.
you now" said Mary; 81 have written him
so much about you."


"And who gave you permission to do that
Mrs. Leslie?" said Nellie. "Now, just tt
punish you for taking such liberty, I an
going to be as cross and snappsh as can be
and if Mr.. Harry Worthington does not hat'
me, before he has been here week, it is be
cause I cannot make him."


She had risen from the table while speaking
and was unconscious that her words had beer
heard by tall, gentlemanly looking man
who had entered the room unnoticed by us
The amused expression Of his countenanc'
would alone have betrayed him as "brothel
Harry" even if we had not heard Mary!
Joyful exclamation. While the brother ane
sister were embracing, glanced at Nellie
Such look as she gave me!


We we're introduced to Mr.. WorthingtoD
and soon felt at home with him; but I saw
that Nellie intended to play the part of a re
served and dignifed young lady, evidently
trying to do away with any impression of friv
olity which might have been made on the
mind of the young man, from having over
heard her speech. His first words to Nellie
we're


"'Forewarned is forearmed,' Miss Nellie
and think I can safely promise that you
will be unsuccessful in your efforts to make
me hate you before I have been hegea week. y


"I regret that you heard my silly remark
Mr. Worthington. I can assure you it gives
me great pleasure to welcome any friend Of
Marys to my brothers house" replied Nellie
in her most dignifed manner.


Mr.. Worthington seemed to understand al
once the role she intended to take, and bowling
to her, he said


"Thank you; both for my sister and my
SELF"


1t was the afternoon of that day, while We
were chatting together, that note was hand
ed me. 1t was from Henrietta Lewis and
contained the following:


"DEAR MISS MATTE mother desires me tc
write and ask that you will all join our family
party this evening. know you are not In the
habit of induging in such frivolities, butyou VIII
only meet with old friends; so you must come
Tell darling Mary will have plea SAINT surprise
for her in the presence Of an old friend. am mo-
allowed to say who it is. write to you, instead
of her. for I shall always feel as If yo~ were the
mistress of Elmwood. Tell Nellie she must bring
HENRIETTA LEWIS"


Are nv readers struck with the juvenility
of this epistle9 was when I read it. Any
one, not knowing the writer, would suppose
she was of Nellie's age, instead Of being my
senior. However, if it gave her pleasure to
try and diminish the number Of her years and
increase mine, it could do me no harm. But
kept my thoughts to myself, and only said


"Here is a note from Henrietta Lewis, in,
viting US there this evening. Twill read it to
you, and then you can decide on your answer.


Mary was the first to speak.


~ do not think I can 60, Matte. You
know have not seen Harry for so long, and
have 80 much to say to him."


"I am afraid, Mary, that Harry and your