Year: 1876

HHow would it do to take her acress the
ferry, eh? Suppose you pick her up and run
over into the country somewhere, or make an
excursion up the river say tomorrow, eh :?
How would that suit"


"We were Just speaking of something of
the Sort" replied Mary, "but am afraid it
would be impracticable"


"Too busy, eh? Can't spare time?'


"Not exactly that" said Mary, blushing,
and with an involuntary glance toward her
husband. Both delicacy and pride forbade
her giving the real reason. But Mr.. Sand
ford had penetration enough to divine it with
out any explanation.


"Comev" said he, "I'll tell you what we'll
do. am dying for little trip myself l
never 20 anywhere, you know, and want to
euchre these blood-thirsty wretches, called
mosquitoes, for one day, and get sniff of
pure cir, but I don't feel inclined to go 1t
alone. Ha, ha see the joker Well, in
vite you all to accompany me. Well 60 off
and have little frolic and enjoy ourselves.
Don't refuse me, for if you won't 60, l sha'n't
either, and that would be a disappointment"


The invitation, so pleasantly given, could
not be declined, nor did its recipients desire to
decline it. 1t was gratefully accepted, and
Mary felt as if, in the anticipation of this
simple pleasure, glimpse of Paradise were
opened to her. She had been so long shut up
in that sitting chamber, tied down to her
work, and worn by anxiety for her little girl,
that an escape from it for whole day, COM
bined with the benefit she trusted the child
would derive from the change, was prospect
too grateful not to afford her pleasure.


The next morning dawned most favorably.
The sky was yelled by light grey clouds, just
sufficient to temper the heat Of the sun. A
fresh breeze was blowing, and everything
promised we'll for the excursion. The baby
had slept we'll, and was less languid than
usual. Her mother arrayed her in one of the
few white frocks she could afford to dress her
in, and kissed the little pale face with thrill
of pleasure at the thought of the enjoyment
in store for her. Little Leila was eighteen
months old, very sensible and very observant
for her age, but very puny. She had been so
much confined in an unhealthy atmosphere
that she was, like plant shut up in the dark,
pining for wholesome touch Of sunshine and
free air. She opened her innocent eyes in
wonder when her bonnet and cape we're tied
on. Still greater was her mystifcation when
she was carried down stairs and into car
riage which waited at the door, for drive in
a carriage was totally new experience to her.


They took ferry-boat, and crossed the riv-
er, landing at quiet place Mr.. Sandford had
selected. A short walk brought them to a
shady grove, deliciously cool and retired, yet
in sight of the water, and of the steamers
plying up and down. What change from
the close, heated attic of Mrs. Browns board
ing house! Already faint rose.tinge glowed
on the baby's cheeks, and a new lustre shone
in her eyes. Even Mary and her husband
frightened under the unwonted influence. A
few hours respite from labor, and change of
scene, seemed to ease the load that weighed
down their hearts, and lessen the anxieties of
life


Soothed by the refreshing temperature and
peaceful surroundings, Leila presently drop
ped asleep. Her mother, sitting on the grass
beneath spreading oak, Graded her i'll her
arms and Mr.. Sandford asked Graham if he
would walk little way with him, as he had
a subject of some importance to discuss. A
little surprised, the latter readily agreed and
while the two gentlemen strolled off together,
still keeping in sight, though out Of hearing,
Mary yielded herself to reverie that was
partly pleasant and partly sad, entwined as it
was of memories Of the past, gratitude for
the present, and halfframed hopes for the
future, for something seemed TO assure her
that Mr.. Sandford, although a friend of but
recent date, would in some way contrive to
help them, or at least put them in a path to
help themselves.


The circumstances of Mary Graham's life
we're romantic enough, though not very un-
common. She had, against her parents will,
married imprudently, and, as the world re.
~o i, ,,,ob v,ott,~s ho11v. Mr. Gro ho m