tions; its connection was with domestic feelings, with the thought that the old walls had long been warmed by the cheerful presence of humanity, and that the ancient roof had long sheltered hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, like unto your own.
The western aspect, which looked down upon the meadow, was almost covered with fragrant creepers. The jessamine had as yet scarcely begun to unfold its long and slender leaves, but the honey-suckle was in all its bravery; covered with thousands of those fairy trumpets from whose sweet breath the laden bees were slowly wending homewards. The small porch, for the principal entrance was on the other side, was hidden by the small Ayrshire-rose, whose delicate crimson flowers, ascending year after year, were in rapid progress towards the roof. The lawn shone with the coloured foliage of the gay season: the beds were crowded with the "painted populace" of spring, and thickets of scented shrubs filled the air with odours. Those two beautiful children
