THE CHILDREN'S FEAST. 117 dient well-nigh gone, I entered No. 13—a baker's dozen-good for me. But no more now, but love to all; and I remain, "Your affectionate Son, "ALFRED." "How very thankful I feel," said Mrs. Lockyer; "a trial indeed, but he has had the reward of his perseverance. Sandhurst is a most excellent college for education, especially for those youths who may be intended for a military career; the regulations are so well adapted to bring into subjection the young mind, and to nurture it in moral and religious feelings." "I am rejoiced Alfred will be at home in time for Annette Cunningham's wedding, and he will take my seat at the breakfast-table, as I positively should be quite unequal to any such post as a bridemaid. Mind, I have promised myself the gratification, of giving all the poor children, a feast of buns and tea on the village green; and," continued Laura, “I am going to enlist Aunt Dorothy in my cause. I seem to feel as if the world were withdrawn from me for a time; all is silent around me, and a kindred stillness reigns within my soul, and I am content to retire from the agitations of society." "All this may be true, dear Laura," said Mrs. Lockyer, "but it is not for us to assemble all the evils of life, or the ordinary calamities with which humanity is afflicted; as, to a well-disciplined mind, the only reflection is, that all proceeds from a higher Power. Indulgence gives strength to feelings be they of what nature soever, and we are not justified in any act, which may savour of murmuring. That your young heart may have many contending feelings, I can allow, and that in privacy you can best hide your sorrows, yet, my love, you must strive to regain your self-possession, which will assure you far greater peace of mind, and give you in the end perfect resignation to the decrees of the Almighty! You are not the only one whose warmest hopes have been sacrificed at the shrine of Omnipotence; rest assured all things will work together for good to those who trust in Him. "How soft the music of those village bells, In cadence sweet; now dying all away, "Think not, the husband gained, that all is done, The prize of happiness must still be won, They, and the virtues meeting, must secure." "WELL my dear aunt," said Alfred, the morning after his arrival home, "you have scarcely looked at me; do say if I be not improved this term? for Laura admitted it the last time I came home, and now that I have literally laboured night and day, no one congratulates me on my improved appearance." "Your cultured mind, my nephew," said Aunt Dorothy, "is now capable of sober thoughts, and you have, I hope, earned reflection such as will ameliorate your heart, and give you substantial happiness, with growing seeds of wisdom; so that when time shall have ended his race with you, your hopes may have been fixed on a permanent base, which shall stand, when earth's flattering forms decay. Affection grows when we look on those we love; so, as we do not wish to make an idol of you, we are silent with past expressions of approbation. I trust henceforward your fame will even bid envy defiance with a heart that is stedfast yet kind, you must expect ungenial blasts and chilling winds, but fear none, how angry soever they may appear.” "Capital, capital sermon, aunty! you are surely growing young again, but here comes Laura to remind me of my promised pleasure to-day. In one half-hour I must be dressed ready for the bridal fête." "Alfred," said Laura, hastening into the room, "you will be late. I hope you will oblige me by wearing a new waistcoat, which has just arrived from London, and is fitted for the present occasion." 66 Oh, with all my heart, and thank the donor into the bargain." So saying the happy youth bounded up the stairs to his dressing room. Who shall depict his surprise, on finding a pretty waistcoat of a light, elegant texture, accompanied by a note, on opening which, to his great surprise, he discovered a cheque for two thousand pounds, with merely a few words, "A sister's love." ? MAJOR SPENCER'S GENEROSITY. 121 "By Jove," exclaimed Alfred, "lucky dog." "Rather say," said Mrs. Lockyer, who was at that moment within hearing, "rather say, a gracious Providence, who has put such generous feelings into a kind sister's heart." "Oh, my dear mother, the power of kindness has so disarmed me that I have nothing to say, but that the secret prayers of Christian parents have received an abundant answer in two of your children. Grant a third may add fresh laurels to the maternal brow; that her grey hairs may rejoice. But I must seek Laura ere I join this day's festivity." Alfred found his sister seated with Aunt Dorothy, he ran forward, and embracing her, said, "Far be it from me to take your generous offer. My sword will, I trust, make my fortune, and if not I could not deprive a sister." “Oh, name it not Alfred ; thank not me, thank a soul which is, I hope, rejoicing over us in heaven. He, yes, Major Spencer left you the sum I have given, optional to my will. But go, my dear brother, the party will be waiting." Alfred walked quietly to Mrs. Cunningham's, pondering over the various changes of life ever fluttering! He was gladly welcomed by Mrs. Cunningham, and was paired off to Miss Flora Maitland, the sister of the gentleman who had taken Mr. Devereux's charge for his absence. Wealth had administered luxury in abundance, and when the ceremony was gone through the bells rang forth a merry |