Mr. Richmond's dwelling, whither he and Alice had often strayed, to commune with the dead of another age, and where he had desired to lie. None before him had been sepulchred there for near half a century.

"I shall pass over in silence two years of mourning, and give you, in the words of Mrs. Richmond herself, copied from a letter which I received only a few days ago, some idea of the present state of her daughter's feelings:

passengers, gradually collected by the way side accretion, until we numbered nine "insides" and two "outs," not including the driver. Being the youngest of the party, and my looks, perhaps, being rather boyish and deprecatory, the latter singled me out as a proper victim of his forbearance; and I had the pleasure of seeing all my companions safely deposited at their respective stopping places, and of watching narrowly, as my father had enjoined, the gradual apportionment of the

be induced to try a change of situation, before, solitary as at first, I drove up to a rather respectable looking inn-"Hotel" it was designated on the sign-in the outskirts of the town. This had been selected as the place of my future abode for several important reasons. Though my father would have preferred a private boarding-house, none such at all decent or comfortable was to be found; and, therefore, having only a choice of evils, he had fixed upon the inn aforesaid, because it was nearer than any other to Mr. Richmond's-about half a mile distant therefrom-was blazoned forth in golden letters of extra size, illustrated by a subjacent representation of a capacious black bottle, inverted in token of emptiness, as a "Temperance Hotel ;" and, consequently, had a good name for respectability and the moral deportment of its customers. The coach door was opened by the publican himself, who gave me as hearty a welcome, as if the arrival of a new guest had been quite an unusual and unexpected pleasure. He was a man of small stature, but otherwise, of portly dimensions, and his full, rubicund face seemed to belie

"Alice sends her love. She is quite well, and I think in better spirits than usual. To me she is the same af-"plunder," lest by some mistake my own trunk might fectionate, confiding child as ever, but grows daily more and more indifferent to the world around. She is occupied almost wholly with her books, while not engaged in household duties, to which you know I have trained her from a child, or in rambling over the adjacent fields and woods for exercise. She sees no company, and seems to dread the idea of ever again mingling in society, especially in that of the other sex. These feelings I have perhaps too far indulged: I must try to reconcile her again to the world. So entirely does her mind often appear to have swallowed up her soul, that one would almost think her incapable of any strong emotion, but for her devoted filial love. Once, however, about a week since, I surprised her in tears; but she quickly wiped her eyes, and soon looked cheerful again, seeming anxious to hide all traces of grief. I feel much anxiety about her, which is confined to my own breast. Mr. Richmond's business cares are so overwhelming, that I do not wish to add to the trouble which he already feels on this dear girl's account. And, yet, why should we forebode evil, while she is well, and, in a good degree, happy? Ah, my dear friend, you cannot real-the fanciful conceit of the inverted bottle; unless, inize all a parent's solicitude for a daughter, and an only child.'

"In thus communicating to you something of Alice Richmond's history, I have been insensibly led into details, supplied by her mother's correspondence, to a much greater length, than I at first intended. Perhaps I may say, that, with more time at my disposal, I should have written a shorter letter. But, if at all interested in the above account, you will not thank me for a wiredrawn conclusion, however good the advice, or warm the expressions of regard which it might contain. So, good-by, from Your affectionate aunt,

ANNE STEVENSON. "P. S. Write to me sometimes-I would say often, if not afraid that you would consider it a task, rather than a pleasure, to correspond with a person of my age. If you make any inroads upon the heart of Alice, let me hear of your success."

The reader may easily imagine, that this letter, with its characteristically womanish post-scriptum, though of such formidable length, covering three sheets, in fine, close text, was read from beginning to end with deep interest. With the self-confidence of a boy of nineteen, I felt quite sure of making an impression upon the seared heart of Alice; and, for the remainder of the journey, which the end of the next day brought to a conclusion, she was continually flitting before me, in day dreams or visions of the night.

CHAPTER II.

deed, the latter were considered as the appropriate representative of all the bottles which he might have been supposed to have emptied. But, notwithstanding his caskiform appearance, he was exceedingly alert and active, and bustled about to provide for my wants, with as great alacrity, as if I had been some distinguished stranger. "Captain" I found that he was called by his associates, and of course I fell in with the prevailing mode, without particular inquiry into my host's military achievements. I afterwards learned, however, that his valor had been proved chiefly in the command of a volunteer company of militia, a post of honor which he had resigned some years before, as he found himself growing too unwieldy for the active exercises of train. ing-days, and, withal, very fast exceeding the utmost limits of his well-stretched suit of regimentals.

On finding that I was likely to be a permanent guest, Captain Smith's attentions were redoubled, and before the supper which I had ordered was on the table, he had conducted me over the whole house, showing the different apartments, which, as he said, happened, very luckily for me, to be all unoccupied, and giving a full history of the former tenants of each, not forgetting the encomiums which any of them might have deigned to bestow upon his household accommodations, or good cheer. After fixing upon a chamber, and concluding a plentiful meal, feeling at a loss for occupation or entertainment, I strolled into the bar-room, where a small company of the neighbors was collected round the fireit was a cool October evening-discussing, rather boisterously, the merits of some candidate for office at the

Though at starting I had been the only occupant of approaching election. Upon my entrance, the noise of the coach, it entered Larksborough with a full load of dispute abated, our well-meaning host-worthy proto

is to open that cupboard: there's enough there to put us every one on the dead list, 'shot in the neck,'" said Bill, with a laugh in which the others joined.

I have called the apartment in which we sat a barroom, and it had the usual fixtures of such a place; but the shelves behind the bar were nearly empty, a mo

decanters being their only furniture. But in the corner was a small locker or closet, the suspicious locality of which seemed almost to justify Bill's insinuation.

"O yes," said the host laughing, "quite enough to put us all on the dead list, though it's only a few vials of doctor's stuff. We have to lock it up to keep the children from poisoning themselves."

type of Captain Truck-took that opportunity of introducing me to all round; and, after several hearty shakes by the hand, I was admitted into the circle. My companions, I found, were men in the middling classes of life-farmers and tradesmen, dressed in the ordinary garb of labor. The conversation turned to general subjects, but I soon discovered that several of the com-lasses jug, a bottle of vinegar, and two or three empty pany, among whom mine host was not the least prominent-for, I had told him nothing of my purposes, further than as regarded taking up my quarters at his house-were very curious to know the object for which I came. I amused myself for some time in batlling their inquiries. The school committee of Larksborough, a few weeks previously, had advertised for a person to fill the vacant office of teacher in the public academy; and the supposition which seemed most prevalent was, that I intended to offer myself for that situation. In this surmise, I found matter for a half hour's entertainment, by means of vague answers and remarks, which always increased their doubt, and apparently anxious inquiries about the office, which seemed to confirm their opinion. At length, however, as I was desirous of asking sundry questions in my turn, I set their minds at ease, by revealing my true object.

:

"I wish you would give me a dose of it, Captain,” said Bill. "I've been ailin' these two weeks, and I'm not very particular what sort I take."

"Now that I come to think of it," answered the Captain, "there's nothing there but a few drops of peppermint, a little camphor, and some of the patent hive-syrup. I'm afraid there isn't anything to suit your complaint-the cold water ague."

"What will you lay me on that, Captain? I'll bet you there's some old cognac in that closet-a silver dollar against a sixpenny glass."

"Done!" said the Captain. "Stake your money." Bill forthwith produced a shining silver dollar, at the

"Mr. Richmond is not at home just now he has gone to attend a court thirty miles off, and will not be back for a week or ten days," said my host. "That is unlucky," returned 1. "Has he taken his sight of which mine host, somewhat dismayed, seemed family with him?”

"O no; his wife and daughter are at Briar Hill--the name they call his place. Perhaps you can begin your readin' with Mrs. Richmond. I guess she knows enough about it, to teach you a little at first like." And the Captain laughed heartily at his own humor.

"I dare say she would make a very agreeable teacher," I rejoined. "But you spoke of a daughter: what is her name ?"

"O that's Miss Alice; but I tell you you need'nt be a speerin' after her. She's a dreadful shy girl, and it must be a devilish nice fellow that brings her to her bearings. But perhaps," continued he, surveying me from head to foot, “perhaps you'll do for her: there isn't anybody in all Larksborough that she'll look at."

"No, there's Harry Bowne," said another of the company, looking at a young farmer's son, who stood be side the fire-place, and had as yet taken no part in the conversation: "Harry's been trying to catch the girl's eye this twelve months; but she no more looks at him, than if he never put on his Sunday-go-to-meetings at all."

"And who wouldn't rather just look at such a girl as Alice Richmond, without her ever taking any notice, than have Jane Grove starin' her eyes out at him, and marry her into the bargain?" returned the young farmer, casting a contemptuous look on the last speaker.

The fair one alluded to in such a slighting manner must have been the other's intended; for the blood rose to his cheek, and he seemed preparing for a tremendous retort, when Captain Smith interposed.

“Hold, Bill,” said he; "that's what I call being personal. I won't have any quarrelling here. You know mine's a temperance house, and you mus'nt behave as if you'd been spreein' it out and out at the Black Bear." "You need'nt go so far from home as the Black Bear, Captain, for a regular built spree. All you've got to do

willing to escape from the dilemma, in which he found himself; but the rest of the company, with sundry winks and nods at each other, cried out for fair play ; and the stake-holder contended that, as the sixpenny glass of brandy, if any of that liquor there were in the closet, must be considered as in his custody, he should feel obliged to break open the door, unless the key were instantly forthcoming. So the Captain was at length forced to the proof, and reluctantly he opened the locker, but only so far as to introduce his hand, and draw out a decanter half-full of brandy, without displaying its other contents.

"It's nothing more than I told you," said he-"a little doctor's stuff: we can't give any of it without 'the prescription of a respectable physician,' as the cold-water pledge says."

"O you won't do us in that kind of style," rejoined Bill. "Here, pay me my sixpenny glass. The doctor allows me a little for my stomach's sake."

"Yes, yes," cried several voices-" yes, yes, Captain. Fair play!"

"You know, Captain, the wet season is just a comin' on; and, as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, we'll all take a drop, to keep off the dumb ague,” said another.

"Well, Bill, I'll pay you your glass; but de'il a bit of the 'cratur' shall any of the rest of you have. Here, hold the tumbler."

"Do you call that a tumbler, Captain?” said Bill, as the latter reached to him a glass of the usual exterior dimensions, but funnel-shaped on the inside. "Why it wants boring out. Howsomever, fill it up twice, and that 'll come to the same thing."

Bill extended the glass, and the Captain began to pour out the sparkling liquor, as cautiously as if in fact administering a dose of medicine. The key was still in the door, and he glanced at it for a moment, as if to

VOL. V.-9

the attack; his face pale with rage; his hair still dripping brandy and water; and his eyes smarting with the hot liquor, and suffused with tears. Bill confronted his antagonist for a moment, in motionless surprise at his hardihood. He was a stout, square-built man, of middle height, about twenty-five years of age, and, as I afterwards found, the bully of the neighborhood. His clenched fist, looking like a sledge-hammer, seemed as if it might crush, by sheer weight, such an opponent as Harry Bowne; who, nevertheless, though apparently little older than myself, and of a slight, but well-shaped frame, quailed not in the least, as their eyes met in defiance. The Captain made a motion, as if to step between the combatants; but a significant look from Davis, which plainly intimated that he would not in that way be balked of his revenge, arrested him, and he seemed too much terrified even to speak a word to prevent the breaking of the peace; while the rest of the company, just drunk enough to be ripe for sport of any kind, cheered them on to the fight. The Captain had presence of mind enough left, however, to put the empty decanter in a place of safety, and to lock the outer door, lest any new comer should witness the scene of disorder. All this passed in a moment, and I trem

measure the distance between it and one of the compa- | concussion, and there stood Harry patiently waiting ny, who appeared to be sidling up toward the closet, still continuing, however, to pour. Bill, watching his opportunity, clapped his thumb as a stopper over the mouth of the bottle, and grasping the neck, suddenly jerked it out of the Captain's hand, and retreated with his prize to the opposite side of the room. The latter sprang half across the floor in pursuit; but the click of the closet lock just then fell upon his ear, and looking back, he beheld, to his great dismay, the door standing wide open, and the inside array of decanters, well filled and labelled, fully displayed to view. For an instant he seemed undecided, but speedily faced about, with a motion very much like the floundering of some huge fish in shallow water, and made for the locker, which he reached just as another decanter disappeared from the shelf. To make sure of what remained, he hastily closed the door, locked it and pocketted the key: then, turning round, more deliberately surveyed the scene, as if planning the recapture of the spoil. In the middle of the floor stood the man who had seized the last bottle, holding it up exultingly to view; while, in the farthest corner, all the others, excepting the young farmer, before mentioned, who still retained his place, and myself, were huddling in boisterous merriment around Bill, who had just commenced, after taking abled to see Bill's fist raised and driven with tremendous "smaller" himself, to serve out the liquor to them. Seeing that he was not likely to recover anything by forcible means, the Captain beat a parley, and at length agreed to sell the contents of the first decanter, provided the second was restored to its place. This arrangement being concluded, glasses and a pitcher of water were called for, and all invited to partake. Harry Bowne and myself declined, and were, at first, excused; but as the glasses were filled up for the last time, Bill, who now felt the spirit-fire glowing in his veins, insisted that we should both drink.

"Come, Harry," said he, "it'll brighten your ideas, and, no doubt, you'll say something smart at last. Come, and we'll drink a bumper to the health of your sweetheart, Alice Richmond."

"You'd better drink to the health of somebody that keeps such company as your's," returned the young farmer sullenly. "Perhaps you can find one that you know quite as well as Miss Richmond, who would be glad to hear that a set of drunken loons had given her a bumper."

"Keep a civil tongue, Harry, or you and I will have to square accounts. You recollect how we settled the last time, up at Squire Comly's mill."

This allusion seemed to kindle feelings that before slumbered in Harry's bosom. A burning flush mantled over his cheek, whether from anger or some other emotion I could not tell; but he turned away, and was silent.

There, you shall have it whether you will or not," continued Bill. And he flung the contents of the glass into his face.

Here mine host who had drunk nothing, but stood aloof watching with great anxiety the progress of affairs, attempted to interfere; but quick as lightning Harry resented the insult. A single blow sent Bill Davis reeling from his seat; and both he and the chair measured their length upon the floor. But, in an instant, he rose to his feet again, nearly sobered by the

force, though without much precision, full at his boyish opponent's head. Harry avoided the stroke, and I instantly perceived that he had the most pugilistic skill, and that the other, from the effects of what he had drunk, was growing, momentarily, less fit to do battle; for, before he could recover himself, he received a blow directly between the eyes, which made him stagger back several paces. All that followed could not easily be discerned, for the combatants came to closer quarters, and blows fell thick on either side, while each, alternately, advanced and retreated over the floor, the spectators giving way, or pressing forward, at every movement. But I saw that whenever Bill drew himself back for a full exertion of his strength, Harry always managed to dodge the stroke, or to break its force with his arm. Blood began to stream, plentifully, from the mouth and nose of each; and even the half-intoxicated bystanders seemed to be growing compassionate. At this juncture, Harry, losing in the heat of the conflict somewhat of his presence of mind, suffered himself to be cornered, and found Davis pressing upon him without the possibility of his retreat. The latter also perceived his advantage, and concentrating all his remaining force for a single effort, aimed a fearful blow at his antagonist, which threatened almost to annihilate him. Harry saw the imminent danger of his situation, and just as every one expected to see him crushed, dropped lightly on one knee, and the blow fell upon a closet door, just back of where his head had been, splintering the pannel from top to bottom, and making sad havoc among the plates and dishes piled up within. Bill was, himself, almost stunned by the violence of the shock; his hand was nearly disabled, and he reeled backward. Quick as thought his agile foe was again upon him; a single well directed stroke sufficed to complete his discomfiture, and he rolled heavily upon the floor, overpowered, perhaps, by his own violent exertions, and the stupifying effects of liquor, rather than by the force of his antagonist.

As he had not strength to rise, and mine host did not wish to leave him upon the bar-room floor, exposed to the sight of any one who might chance to enter, he was removed to another apartment, still sufficiently in his senses, to mutter imprecations upon Harry's head, and to vow revenge. The latter after finding that no great harm was done, and receiving in silence the congratulations of the spectators, who all had wished him the vietory from admiration of his courage, quietly retired from the inn; and, a moment after, when I had perceived his exit, and followed, I found him washing the blood from his face and hands at the pump before the door. "I hope you are not much hurt," said I, with an inquiring tone.

"O no; very little. I should'nt have come off so well though, or perhaps Bill Davis either, if he had'nt been too drunk to fight. But I wo'nt allow any body to impose on me in that sort of style, unless they choose to lick me into the bargain: I've borne it long enough." Having finished washing, and wiped his face and hands with his handkerchief, he bid me good night and walked slowly off. It was a clear moon-light evening, and desiring to form a better acquaintance with the young farmer, I proposed accompanying him for a short distance, for the sake of the fresh air. He agreed, and we walked on together along the road, neither speaking for some minutes. At length he broke silence.

"Yes," said he, bitterly, and as if some painful recollection disturbed him; "I've borne it long enough. Bill thinks every body is afraid of him, and so he likes to play the bully. You heard him speak of settling accounts with me at Squire Comly's mill. That was twelve months ago, and I remember it as well as if it were yesterday: scarce a day has passed since then that I have not thought of it. He gave me a terrible flogging for a thoughtless word that angered him, and I swore vengeance against him. Well, the account is square between us now, and I don't bear him malice any longer; for I believe the fellow has a good heart at bottom, so that he isn't drunk, or in a passion."

"You seem to have learned something of the art of self-defence, from the way in which you handled your fists to-night."

"Yes, some little,” returned Harry. “I knew that I should not soon be a match for Bill, unless I learned how to box; and so, for fear my blood should cool before I had taken revenge, I got Ned Stryker, a friend of mine, of about my own age, to give me a few lessons. He used to live in New York, and there picked up a thing or two in that way."

"Yonder it is," said he, pointing to a house at the distance of about a quarter of a mile. "You can just see the white chimnies among the trees. I'm sure I never thought of such a thing as loving the girl-much less that she loved me. I could'nt be so crazy as that; though I do often think"-and he put his hand upon his head—" that there's something wrong here. But when my poor mother was sick-she has been dead only six months"-he brushed away a tear as he spoke"Alice Richmond used to come and see her every day, and bring a thousand little nice things that she knew mother would like. I almost love her for that.-No, no: you may love her, but I never may. God bless her for her kindness to my poor, dear mother!"

He pressed my hand, uttered a faint "good night,' and springing lightly over the stile, hurried on towards home; while I slowly retraced my steps, and soon regaining the inn, sought, on my pillow, rest from the fatigues of the day, and the adventures of the night.

CHAPTER III.

The first sound that I heard in the morning was the voice of my host, who came himself to wake me, and make an apology for the occurrences of the previous evening. He assured me that nothing of the kind had ever been known in his house before; and that he never allowed any liquor to be drunk on the premises, except as a medicine, though obliged to keep a little on hand as a provision for sickness. I inquired after Bill Davis, and learned that he had become sober, and gone home before day-light. My breakfast would be ready the Captain said at whatever time I chose to name. As soon as he left me, I rose, and, not without many thoughts of Alice, arrayed myself in my best black suit, wishing if possible to make a favorable impression at Briar Hill, at my first appearance. This done, I surveyed myself, as much at large, as a glass eighteen inches square would permit, with great self-satisfaction. I should here inform the reader, that I was about five feet nine, standing in my boots, and—if I may be pardoned for saying so―of by no means an uncomely face or person. At least, I arrived at this latter conclusion, before leaving the glass.

Breakfast over, I waited with impatience till the hands of my watch, in their now sluggish course, pointed to eleven, and then sallied forth on the road to Mr. Richmond's. It was a most delightful morning, and the sun had taken from the air the chilliness of the preceding night. I soou reached Briar Hill. The house was

"But will not Davis try to revenge himself as soon very finely situated, about fifty roods from the highway, as he gets over the effects of liquor?"

"I guess not," answered my companion. "He will know that he was in the wrong. If he does try it," and lowering his voice, as he spoke he grasped tight my arm with one hand, and, putting the other into his bosom, drew forth a long-bladed knife, the bare sight of which, glittering as it did in the moon-beam, made my blood run cold,—“this will stand by me to the last !"

on an eminence, from which the ground sloped almost imperceptibly in front. It was a large, white, antiquated building, with a portico before the door, and two wings. A handsome pale-fence skirted the lawn on the road-side, at either extremity of which was an arched gate-way, opening upon a gravelled carriage track, that formed, altogether, a semi-ellipse, curving gracefully in front of the portico, and lined on the whole of the inner He seemed to shudder himself at the thought, and circumference, and on the outer, almost to the angles of replaced the weapon in silence. We had come to a the wings, with double rows of towering elm-trees, stile, leading over into a field. He pointed out his fa- which, interlapping their boughs, exhibited a vaulted ther's house, standing far back from the road. I remem-covering above, and nearly concealed the mansion from bered that we had walked in the direction of Mr. Rich- view. The space inclosed within the curve was an mond's place, and asked him if that was in sight. open, velvet-carpeted green, without a tree or shrub.

to Mrs. Richmond: it had been taken, she said, just after her marriage. I remembered that my aunt's letter mentioned such a portrait, which had been thought like Alice.

Between the inner rows of elms was the foot-path, and it slightly saddened, each lineament. Her manner toalong it I slowly sauntered up to the door of the right-wards me was already that of friendship. She made hand wing, on a tin fastened to which the word "OFFICE" numerous inquiries about different members of my was to be seen. The door stood ajar, and, after ringing family, and talked much of the time when she and my the bell I stepped in. The rustling of a silk dress and aunt Stevenson had been schoolmates at Bethlehem. then a light step on the office floor fell upon my ear: ITea was brought in, but still Alice came not; and, at walked forward, and caught a parting glimpse of a fe- length, I was so fascinated with the mother's conversa. male figure making her retreat by the entrance from tion, in which there was a sprightly ease and grace, her the wing into the body of the house, up two or three features becoming animated, and losing much of their steps. Her face was turned from me, but imagination usual melancholy expression, as she dwelt on topics in supplied that with every charm; and the reality of which she felt an interest, that the daughter's charms what was revealed to sight fulfilled my most ardent fan- were for a time almost forgotten. A portrait hanging cies of Alice Richmond. She was above the middle against the wall, which I had not at first observed, height, and dressed in a tasteful negligé, which exhibit-drew my attention. I instantly recognised its likeness ed, without any of the common disguises of fashion, the outlines of an exquisitely formed person, slightly inclined to embonpoint, and a refined grace in every movement. Her dark chesnut hair was still suffered, as in the first days of girlhood, to fall in a rich profusion of ringlets "It was never a very good likeness," remarked Mrs. over her shoulders, confined only by a slight band of Richmond: "the painter sacrificed something of the the same color round her head. And that ankle-fully truth to the beauty of his picture. I value it now displayed as she bounded on tip-toe up the stair-the chiefly for its resemblance to Alice, which is quite stri perfection of nature's workmanship, shaped in so deli-king. It is, perhaps, more like her, than it ever was cate a mouid! The foot too-so light its tread, that it seemed scarce resting on the floor. One troubled with I examined the painting, as may easily be imagined, far less susceptibility than myself might have fallen in with no ordinary feelings of interest. As a mere work love even with the little shoe that clasped it. "No," of art it was of exquisite beauty; and I could not but thought I; "it can be none other than Alice Richmond: believe it a faithful delineation of the original; not only and the bright vision is realized!" I looked around at from the still clearly visible resemblance, but also from the office. One of the book-cases was open, and a an ideal expression, giving soul and character to the chair stood before it: Alice had, perhaps, been search-face, which, alone, if true to nature, must have determining after some book. I almost wished that I had entered the likeness; and which no painter, had it been the ed without ringing the bell; and pictured to myself the blushes mantling on her cheek, and the lovely confusion of her looks. How glad would I have been to have assisted her in her search!

The entrance of a servant awakened me from the delightful trance, into which I had been momentarily cast by this lovely apparition. Mr. Richmond I found was expected home in a few days. I sent in to Mrs, Richmond my letters with a card, saying that I should call again; but had scarcely returned to the inn, when a note from Briar Hill was put into my hand. Mrs. Richmond expressed her regret that her husband was absent, and begged that I would take tea with her that evening. The remainder of the day passed wearily enough-it was a lover's probation; for I loved Alice Richmond, already, with a fanciful devotion-in fact had loved her, before the adventure of the morning had given any definite shape-any reality, to the glorious creature of my imagination.

The evening came, and again I found myself upon the road to Briar Hill. Mrs. Richmond received me in the most kind and affectionate manner; but Alice did not make her appearance. I inquired after her health, and the mother made a sort of apology for her absence, though without giving any particular reason for it. Yet I could not help looking towards the door every time it was opened, with a sort of nervous expectation that she would at length enter; and I believe that Mrs. Richmond half interpreted my feelings. She was a woman of about forty, retaining much of the comeliness of person and of feature, which had distinguished, in no common degree, her youth. A shade of chastened melancholy lingered over her countenance, softening, while

like me."

creation of his own fancy, could have so intimately blended with the corporeal features. I shall not attempt to describe the picture. My love was fast becoming an idolatry.

A window of the room where we sat opened upon the grounds back of the house. First came a large garden, thickly planted with fruit trees, with here and there a close arbor, covered with vines bearing luxuriant clusters of grapes. On one side was a yard containing capacious barns and stabling; on the other a large orchard; while behind, a rich meadow, skirted on both sides by woodland, sloped gracefully down to the borders of a small lake, about a mile distant, and three or four miles in circumference, beyond which rose a hill thickly wooded. The woods were clothed in the hues of autumn-the gay purple and scarlet, mingled with the rich or fading green, and the sober russet. As I looked over the scene, all the mournful story contained in my aunt's letter came back to me as a sad remembrance: then the prospect brightened; but Alice was still the companion of my reverie. "There," thought I, "she wanders-the fairy spirit of the hill, the forest, and the lake. I will watch her going forth, and in fancy, at least, follow her rambling footsteps."

Mrs. Richmond desired me to take my place in the office, without waiting for her husband's return. Accordingly, the next morning I began my studies; though it seemed as if Alice had breathed such an influence over the scene, that the inspiration of Blackstone had lost its charm. Mr. Richmond returned in three days: I need say only that I found in him all I could have hoped for in a preceptor and a friend-almost a father's indulgent kindness and care.