my pigeons, so that I received the same day, by my winged courier, the answer to the letter sent in the morning by a courier, equally quick and as faithful. So that I used to write without scarcely thinking of it, on various subjects; for I had not always news, or questions, or wishes to send to my aunt and cousin, and I would not for the world have let my messenger-bird go without a little note, at least.

The next year my father had to take another journey to Berry. This time, my mother did not go with him, but decided to spend the time with my good aunt, so that I enjoyed more lively pleasure than before; not only because my mother accompanied me, but because I took there with me good humour, and the knowledge I had gained in my former visit, and a tender gratitude to my good relatives.

AND now my story is told-at least the story of one brief but impressive season of my life. The incidents of the few

weeks spent with my aunt and my awkward cousin in the little rural cot, impressed me with the conviction that the wisest person in the world knows but very little of all that is to be known; and taught me the important lesson, that there is no more certain mark of folly than to judge of the character of others by their dress or outward appearance.

In my aunt's house, I plainly saw how much real enjoyment may be had in very lowly circumstances, if there are right dispositions of heart; and I have reason to believe, that, in their humble way, my poor relations tried to cultivate such dispositions.

As I advanced to maturer years, I had a full opportunity to try other scenes of pleasure, and I sought and loved the world. Its smiles and flatteries were grateful to my vain heart. Whatever gratification could be derived from the playhouse, and ball-room, or the gay circles of mirth and fashion, were mine. Soon it all became tasteless and vain.

I could say with the inspired Preacher of old, "Whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them. I withheld not my

heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness." I turned from this vain show and sought the quiet of a retired home. Here I recalled the entertaining and profitable scenes of the summer at my aunt's. My taste for the study of the works of the great Creator revived, and my researches into the mysteries of the world around me were attended with increased delight. Though the wonders of His grace and mercy, revealed in the volume of inspiration, far excel all that His works display of His nature and attributes, yet these last are truly glorious to behold.

THE END.