"So said, so done-and safely, sure? "Yet, smile at fear, and laugh at woe; I'll arm you safe 'gainst every foe! "WELL, I declare you are looking quite lovely, Aunt Dolly," said Alfred, a few days after her arrival in Devonshire; 66 see what our fresh air has done for you, you talk of the Parks, and of Kensington Gardens ; had you lived there all your days, you would never have had such red roses in your cheeks." “Oh, you quiz!” said Aunt Dorothy," but I don't mind you. I was once young, but now am old, fast going the down hill of life. Our sight is but a point -our life a day." "Lots of letters! said Laura, "at that moment running into the breakfast-room, and hastily withdrawing them from the bag. "Two for you, aunty." "For me, my child! Give me my glasses, Alfred," said Aunt Dorothy. "Better let me read them," continued Alfred, "unless, indeed, you expect love letters." 66 'My dear self and senses!" exclaimed the old lady, "what means all this? Hearts and darts! and then such loving words. Look, look at the address, it cannot be for me!" 66 'Why, aunty, this is Valentine's day! and your old flame at a distance has not forgotten the absent," said Laura. 66 Alfred, do read the lines aloud." "Roses red and violets blue, Money I love—as well as you!" "To be sure he does! But money is first, mind that," said Aunt Dorothy. "Oh, the rogue! You culprit, confess, confess, and I will forgive you!" continued she, addressing Alfred. "Believe me, I am as innocent as my own dear mother knows or wishes me to be. And after all, aunty, it is only fun you know, and it proves you dwell in some heart." "Rather say my money dwells in somebody's head!" said Aunt Dorothy. “But there, never mind-there must be a beginning-so there, take that purse for your hearts and darts, and when it is empty, remember you have a friend in Aunt Dorothy. I cannot carry money to the grave, if I would," continued the dear old lady. "You may have much to endure in the failings and many infirmities of your UNEXPECTED KINDNESS. 59 old aunt. For your father's sake I will provide for Alike pre you for your own sake I will love you. pare, my boy, for hardships or ease to meet—the soldier's fare! "If friends protect, on God the praise bestow, "But tempests and storms, the lowering skies may sweep. Expect! nor be deceived! But He who ever leads you forth, will screen you with His own omnipotence." Thus spoke Aunt Dorothy, to the astonishment of her youthful friends. Alfred for a time was silent, and at length exclaimed, "How can I sufficiently thank you, my dear aunt, for your unexpected kindness! It almost unmans me ! And he gave vent, by "A witness which he could not stop, A witness which all hearts reveal." Just at this moment Mrs. Lockyer entered with Ellen, and both remarked "how sad the party looked !” and Alfred dashed out of the room, not being willing to trust himself before his mother and sister, to relate the events of an hour. "Far, far from sad, or sorry," said Aunt Dorothy to Mrs. Lockyer, "for I am so proud; look at my valentine. Am I not in favour? I am surely growing young again. Devonshire air has given me roses for something-as with them a beau is also given me. But where have you ladies been all this morning?" continued Aunt Dorothy. "Rather tell us who has been your Valentine!" said Ellen. "Even Alfred! your own dear brother. And from this moment, I make him my heir. All I have shall be his," said Aunt Dorothy, "so, my dear sister, you have given me the opportunity of proving the sincerity of my affection for your beloved husband, my best of brothers. "And if souls be allowed in a happier sphere, To watch o'er the spirits they love; He'll be the guardian, the friend he was to you here, "Your "Even so," responded Mrs. Lockyer. generosity demands more than I can express; but I fear you have other relatives who have a claim on your notice. If so, pray let them share your bounty." "True, that may be," said Aunt Dorothy; "but for thirty years I spent my whole amongst them, and have provided so far as I felt disposed. Now, where I drop, there will the residue of my ample fortune remain; so from this day forward no more on money matters. Alfred knows his resources, if he keep within bounds." "I believe aunt," added Ellen, "mamma related to you Mrs. Bell our housekeeper's duplicity, the day we were absent to fetch you from the station? "Yes, yes!" said Aunt Dorothy, "and I should long since have disposed of her, I fear." CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE. 61 “Mamma has had the parties face to face, and Mrs. Bell is thoroughly convicted of her malice and falsehood." "I hope you will be able to provide for her out of the house, mamma!" said Laura, "for I cannot bear to hear her name." "Ellen and I," continued Mrs. Lockyer, "have this morning succeeded in obtaining an alms-house for her, and she will leave us to-morrow, after having lived forty years in one family. Mr. Devereux, our worthy pastor, accompanied us to Mr. Armstrong, the gentleman who has that lovely residence upon the hill. In him we saw the fine old English gentleman, with so much Christian benevolence, and a countenance beaming with philanthropy. We were received by him with marked deference, he granted our application with such generosity and urbanity. Oh ! that there were more like him in this life, 'who goes about doing good.' His lady entered just as we were leaving. She appeared very polite and well-bred, and seconded all her excellent husband had promised— and not only so-but ordered luncheon after our fatigue; and then took us over her pretty greenhouses, &c." "Proving to a demonstration what you told me," said Aunt Dorothy, "that Devonshire was famed for hospitality." "We could not help remarking evident traces of early beauty in the lady, and her manners were quite elegant." |