of his property was bequeathed to his dear wifewho shortly after left our village.

I might tell of a number of little adventures which happened to me during my residence with Mr. Abel Simpkins; but I very much doubt whether they would be interesting to anybody but myself. As a matter of course, I fell in love with Miss Felicia, and I had reason to believe that she returned my affection. At least, I used to be her beau to church, and we sometimes walked out together in the summer evenings. Once or twice, when it was nearly dark, I went so far as to snatch a kiss. But she said "she was very much offended, and that she should tell Pa, if I ever did so again." So I was afraid to take any more liberties of that sort with her. Once, indeed, at dinner, when I was very much elated at finding out that I should be entitled to the sum of £4,392, in the three per cent consolidated bank anuuities, as soon as I came of age, (I found a copy of my father's will in Mr. Simpkin's iron chest-which, fortunately for me, he had left unlocked that morning,) I made bold to tread upon Felicia's toe, under the table. It struck me that she did not take it amiss-so I ventured to repeat the act; but on the second time, mistook the direction of her foot, and trod very heavily upon the corns of Miss Priscilla Simpkins, (my preceptor's maiden sister,) who set up such a terrible scream, and abused me so violently, that

I was obliged to leave the room to recover from my confusion.

Mrs. S., who was always very kind, used frequently to drop hints about Felicia's fondness for me; and, on one occasion, went so far as to say, before the young lady herself,

"When you and Felicia are married, my dear Costard, I shall have nothing left to wish for."

This speech came upon me so suddenly, that I had not a word to say for myself-so I blushed, and looked considerably foolish.

Miss Felicia, however, tossed her head, and exclaimed, as I thought, somewhat pettishly,— "Married! La, ma! how you talk!"

"Well, my love," returned her mother, "I only repeat what is in everybody's mouth. It is best known to yourselves, how matters stand between you. But (laughing archly) I have eyes, and can see further than certain folks think for." And then she left the room, closing the door carefully after her.

"How people talk!" exclaimed Miss Felicia, as soon as we were alone; "don't they, Mr. Sly ?" "Yes, miss," said I, looking out of the window. "Pa says you will be out of your time this day three months, Costard. Did you know you were so near your twenty-first birth-day?"

"Ye-es, miss," returned I-not yet daring to look at her.

Felicia drew her chair closer to mine. She threw her eyes on the carpet, and sighed Oh, such a sigh!

I started (sighs are contagious,) I found myself sighing too.

It struck me all of a sudden, that it was a very fine thing to be a married man. I stole a glance at Felicia-there was a blush on her cheek, and a tear in her eye! I thought I had never seen her look half so pretty as she did at that moment.

"Oh!" said I to myself,-" with such a com-panion in a cottage, honeysuckles growing all over the door and parlor windows! she sitting on one side of the fireplace, I on the other-she working, whilst I read to her!—and then-when I return from business, to think of her coming out to meet me!-her arms thrown around my neck, and her lips pressed to mine-the table-cloth laid so delightfully—and a hot steak at the fire! Perhaps a little fellow or two, just able to say Pa, crying out to be lifted up to be kissed by me-oh mercy, how delicious!"

Presently Felicia looked up,—our eyes met.
"Felicia!" whispered I.

"Costard!" sighed she.

"Do you love me?"

"Can you doubt it?”

"Will you be mine?"

"Ye-e-es,"-(in a very low tone.)

That was enough. I caught her in my armsthere was a magnet in her lips, which drew mine to them-.

At that moment who should come into the room but Mr. Abel Simpkins! It is extremely disagreeable to be caught in the act of giving a kiss to a lady-even though that lady be your own wife. A kiss is much too precious-too sacred, to be given in open day, and before witnesses! I was confounded-and poor Felicia was blushing from head to foot!

"So, sir!" said Mr. Simpkins, looking sternly at me" what is the meaning of all this? What am I to understand by such conduct, Mr. Costard Sly?"

"Only, sir," said I, recovering a little from my confusion-"that-that Miss Felicia has agreed to become Mrs. Costard Sly, as soon as I am out of my articles-provided you give your consent."

"Indeed! Oho! Well, my dear fellow, I shall be delighted to have you for a son-in-law. Your conduct is fair and honorable. Give us your hand."

The next Sunday, Felicia and I walked arm in arm to church. A good deal of whispering and tittering took place as we went up the middle aisle and it was some time before I could venture to look up, or leave off blushing.

By and by, however, just as the parson was

giving out the text, I happened to look up, and was surprised at seeing a young gentleman, in regimentals, gazing very earnestly at our pew He was certainly looking at Felicia, and Felicia was looking at him. There was a running fire of sweet looks, as I thought, kept up between the parties during the whole of the sermon. I did not like it at all; and made up my mind to tell Felicia, after church, that now she was engaged to become Mrs. Costard Sly, such conduct was very improper on her part.

Well, when the sermon was over, the young officer came up, and shook hands with Mr. Simpkins and his wife, and offered his arm to Felicia; which, to my great dismay, she accepted. It turned out that he was the son of a very old acquaintance of the family. His name was OgleCaptain Orlando Ogle - never shall I forget that detestable name! He dined with us that day— talked incessantly to Felicia-accompanied her on the piano with his flute-consented to stay to supper-and, on taking his leave, promised to call again to-morrow ! He did call, — and Felicia walked out with him!

The blood of the SLYS was up. Though I had the last will and testament of a declining old gentleman to prepare that morning, I resolved to follow them. I did so, cautiously;-and from behind a hedge, overheard quite enough to satisfy me,