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98
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

for any prospect that did not terminate in Whitehall? Green trees and blue skies are very well in their way; I believe indispensable to painters, and useful to poets: I was not aware that I figured in either department."

"No one ever suspected, or even accused you of such proceedings," replied Norbourne, smiling at the idea of his lordship in either capacity; "but can you not understand enjoying the country for its own sake?"

"No, I cannot," replied his companion, drily.

"Is it possible?" cried his nephew, eagerly. "I cannot ride along, this lovely morning, without a thrill of delight. My whole frame seems lighter; a thousand subtle influences excite my spirits; I catch beauties I never saw before, and long for some one to admire with me."

"All this," replied the other, "only proves what a good constitution you have, and that you are very young. I dare say you will grow more rational in time."

"More rational!" cried Norbourne: "nay, now, I have all the high authorities. Is not