that instrument, and listened to the melting tones of her voice. I could not but smile at this instance of romantic gallantry in a doating husband.

He was now going out to the cottage, where his wife had been all day superintending its arrangement. My feelings had become strongly interested in the progress of this family story, and, as it was a fine evening, I offered to accompany him.

He was wearied with the fatigues of the day, and as we walked out, fell into a fit of gloomy musing.

`«< Poor Mary!» at length, broke, with a heavy sigh, from his lips.

« And what of her?" asked I

thing happened to her?»

«has any

What," said he, darting an impatient glance, «is it nothing to be reduced to this paltry situation-to be caged in a miserable cottage-to be obliged to toil almost in the menial concerns of her wretched habitation?» « Has she then repined at the change?»

"

Repined! she has been nothing but sweetness and good humour. Indeed, she seems in

better spirits than I have ever known her; she has been to me all love, and tenderness and comfort! >>

« Admirable girl!» exclaimed I. « You call yourself poor, my friend; you never were so rich-you never knew the boundless treasures of excellence you possessed in that woman.»>

«Oh! but, my friend, if this first meeting at the cottage were over, I think I could then be comfortable. But this is her first day of real experience; she has been introduced into a humble dwelling-she has been employed all day in arranging its miserable equipmentsshe has, for the first time, known the fatigues of domestic employment—she has, for the first time, looked round her on a home destitute of every thing elegant,—almost of every thing convenient; and may now be sitting down, exhausted and spiritless, brooding over a prospect of future poverty.»

There was a degree of probability in this picture that I could not gainsay, so we walked on in silence.

After turning from the main road up a narrow lane, so thickly shaded with forest trees

as to give it a complete air of seclusion, we came in sight of the cottage. It was humble enough in its appearance for the most pastoral poet; and yet it had a pleasing rural look. A wild vine had overrun one end with a profusion of foliage; a few trees threw their branches gracefully over it; and I observed several pots of flowers tastefully disposed about the door, and on the grass plot in front. A small wicket gate opened upon a footpath that wound through some shrubbery to the door. Just as we approached, we heard the sound of music -Leslie grasped my arm; we paused and listened. It was Mary's voice singing, in a style of the most touching simplicity, a little air of which her husband was peculiarly fond.

I felt Leslie's hand tremble on my arm. He stepped forward to hear more distinctly. His step made a noise on the gravel walk. A bright beautiful face glanced out at the window and vanished-a light footstep was heard -and Mary came tripping forth to meet us: she was in a pretty rural dress of white; a few wild flowers were twisted in her fine hair; a fresh bloom was on her cheek; her whole

countenance beamed with smiles-I had never seen her look so lovely.

My dear George,» cried she, « I am so glad you are come! I have been watching and watching for you; and running down the lane, and looking out for you. I've set out a table

under a beautiful tree behind the cottage; and I've been gathering some of the most delicious strawberries, for I know you are fond of them and we have such excellent creamand every thing is so sweet and still hereOh!" said she, putting her arm within his, and looking up brightly in his face, «Oh, we shall be so happy!»

Poor Leslie was overcome-He caught her to his bosom-he folded his arms round herhe kissed her again and again-he could not speak, but the tears gushed into his eyes; and he has often assured me that though the world has since gone prosperously with him, and his life has, indeed, been a happy one, yet never has he experienced a moment of more exquisite felicity.