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"An immense bore that!" said Alfred; " for I have an engagement, at two o'clock, with Major Spencer, who is going to introduce me to a very pretty girl, who is called Julia Curthose--not a very short name; though short-legs it means in history. Improved again, you see, Laura.”

"How is it Major Spencer knows them?" said Laura.

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Ah, ah, my lassie! have I alarmed you? Now don't you be a second Angelique, and for a ‘bell' wear yellow."

"Oh, no!" replied Laura.

urged the inquiry."

"Curiosity alone.

"To tell you the honest truth," continued Alfred, "a family came to the Grange a few days since. The son of the lady is an old friend of Major Spencer's. He knew him when in India; and he is going to propose a walk; and I am to wait the result. Julia, the third girl, is, I hear, a pretty blonde-blue eyes, and all my fancy has ever pictured for my lady-love."

"What nonsense, Alfred!" said Ellen, looking off from her book which she had taken up. "You surely will not unsettle your mind by such folly? But pause before you begin to fancy yourself in love, and, for want of something to do, squander hours unprofitably."

"What a capital parson's wife you will make ! Why don't Mr. Devereux take you to himself, my own sweet Nelly! You are a help-meet, and made

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for him to a tittle. Did you see them last night, Lolly ?"

"Whom do you mean?"

"Nelly and Mr. Devereux. They were tête-à-tête, or knocking heads together, one hour by my watch. Poor man he looked what he dared not utterlanguage failed him. I presume serious people don't make love? It is a waste of time, is it not, Nelly?" "Fie, fie! How you rattle," said Mrs. Lockyer. "But, Alfred, I depend on you at two; so be in at luncheon."

"Very well, dearest mother. You are my commander-in-chief, and I must obey."

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"If thou art worn and hard beset

With sorrows that thou would'st forget

If thou would'st read a lesson, that will keep
Thy heart from fainting, and thy soul from sleep-
Go to the woods and hills! No tears

Dim the sweet looks that nature wears."

"SHALL you call on these strangers at the Grange, mamma?" said Laura, when the trio were seated at their several occupations.

"I think not, my love, unless you both wish it particularly," said Mrs. Lockyer. "I find I have quite acquaintance enough; and certainly it is far from my wish to encourage Alfred's nonsense.'

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"He has no meaning in what he says, mamma. Do not be alarmed."

"Major Spencer has called," said the servant, entering at the moment. "He wishes to see Mr.

Alfred."

"Request him to walk in," said Mrs. Lockyer. "Ah, Major! why so shy?"

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"I came to fetch Alfred. Ladies, I hope you are 'not fatigued," said he, addressing Ellen and Laura. "Not at all," replied Ellen.

Laura felt confused, as she fancied Major Spencer cool.

"I presume you are not inclined for a walk ?” continued the Major, looking at Laura.

"No, thank you. We are engaged to fetch my aunt from the station at two; and Alfred has orders to accompany us.'

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"Shall I be de trop, if I take the box seat?".

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Yes, you will be, indeed; for we never can get Alfred inside: but if you will take a seat in the carriage, we shall have much pleasure in your company. What say you, Laura ?”

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Major Spencer knows I shall not object," said she, smiling her sweetest.

"Then my Grange friends must do without me; and I shall have no remorse of conscience for disappointing your brother, having so charming a plea !" said the Major.

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"Then pray stay, and lunch with us," said Mrs. Lockyer. We wish to know who these new arrivals are, and all about them. It appears they are friends of yours?"

"The son of the lady was an officer whom I knew in India. The husband of the lady is a retired banker, of large fortune. She is a most agreeable All the woman; has five unmarried daughters. gentlemen find the mother so agreeable, that, in her

THE ACCOMPLISHED GIRLS.

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company, they forget the young people. She has made several hard hits for her girls settling in life; but all have proved a failure. Julia, the third girl, is very pretty, but has bad health; and consequently has been so indulged, that unless she can marry a man with a good fortune, equal to her own, she will make but a sorry wife. They are all accomplished; and the old father, who is a short, gouty man, is proud of his family."

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“What an odd name they have!" said Laura. "Yes, and strange to say, they have all, with the exception of Julia, short legs!"

Pray do not libel the fair creatures,” said Alfred, overhearing the last words, as he made his entrée. "You are a pretty fellow to keep a promise!" replied the Major, shaking Alfred heartily by the hand.

"Call the ladies out, sir," said the military aspirant. "I am not my own master. I have three mistresses to serve; and terrible tough work it is. They are all so afraid of me, that I am not allowed to make love, or talk pretty nonsense, without permission. And," continued Alfred, "I have been so schooled this morning, because my old aunt is coming to live with us. I am not to laugh loudly, to sneeze boisterously, or walk heavily; and, to crown all, I am to be an old maid's walking-stick!"

"How reformed you will be in a month!" said the Major.

"The old soul has plenty of tin; so I will play

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