when I went in your garden to gather some flowers for Madam Weston."

"I must acknowledge, Lucy, this is rather more surprising than your usual wonders. This stranger then, I suppose, is one of those persons we saw in the glade—the gentlemen foresters ?”

66

'Bless you, Laura, what an idea! I am sure

I wish it were so-it would be pleasant to have some one to speak to and walk with when we pass the boundary of the park."

"But, recollect, Lucy, my father objects to our going farther than the Manor Oak, which is only just beyond those strangers, and we need no companion there."

"It would be pleasant though; and if Reuben Barwell were always at liberty——"

"Surely we are much more comfortable without him. You are often speaking of Reuben, Lucy."

"There is no one else to speak of."

"Why, did you not mention a stranger in

the house?"

"Oh, yes, I almost forgot him; but he will

not do for our friend."

"Well, say then who or what is this stranger? for I have my share of curiosity as well as yourself, Lucy."

"Do not let your curiosity carry you too far; for this man is only a labourer to assist old Mills, who, since he had that fall in the park, has been rather lame."

Laura interrupted Lucy by laughing so long that Lucy was half angry.

"And all this preparation is for a gardener's labourer!" said Laura, when she had ceased laughing. "Why, Lucy, I pictured Sir Charles Grandison at least, with his six fine fat horses and flowing tails!—I have often wished to see so grand a personage; though we should be puzzled to make the comparison, which the writer always does, to the advantage of his hero: so little do we know of the world, that the new gardener might, if he pleased, pass with us for the dignified Baronet."

Oh, no; even to such novices as we are, a man in a gaberdine of coarse cloth could scarcely be taken for a gentleman."

"Has your wonder only made his appearance this morning?"

"He has been here three days; but no person mentioned the addition to the familyand really no one seems pleased: for my own part, though he is only, as they say, a common hard-working man, yet I am not sorry,-perhaps it may be the commencement of other introductions."

"Why do you wish for others? we are very comfortable, Lucy."

“Oh yes, very; but I should sometimes like a little variety."

You would like to see what is called the world?"

Lucy hesitated-sighed-and at last confessed it would not displease her, if she might be permitted to visit the town where her parents had resided, and of which she retained some slight remembrance. F 3

"Well then, Lucy, I will speak to my father, and if possible procure you liberty to seek the friends of your childhood."

""Twere useless to attempt that; I have no recollection of any, even by name."

"Then I cannot understand the motive for

your present wish."

"Only curiosity."

"Is that all, Lucy?"

All have you no curiosity to see and hear those persons of whom we read?"

"I doubt if we should see them, Lucy," said Laura, laughing; "and what can we require more than we have here?"

Very true; but do you remember, dear

Laura, what we read in the play the other day, where Juliana says,

'What wants the bird that from his wiry prison

Sings to the passing travellers of air

A wistful note?""

Your liberty!" said Laura, still laughing.

"I see it now, without continuing those pretty

lines. I will enfranchise thee, my fluttering captive; but say, wilt thou return?”

"Oh, doubt me not, Miss Penruddock." "Well then, I will not doubt you, and when I see my father, I will plead your cause."

Laura performed her promise so soon as Mr. Penruddock gave her the opportunity; taking advantage of a pause, she preferred her request, never anticipating a refusal. Her father gazed earnestly for a moment, as if not comprehending the nature of her wish. On a repetition, his countenance changed,-the usual calm sadness of his features assumed a stern, severe expression, which Laura had never at any time before observed.

"And this is Lucy Moreton's wish?

"It is, my dear papa; but do not look so grave-it is only a wish."

“In which perhaps you participate?"

66

'No, indeed. I have no desire-I never

had-nor ever will have

any

"Heaven be praised!"

wish but yours."

exclaimed Mr. Pen