CHAPTER XXIII.

"And light alike of heart and step, she bounded on her

way,

Nor dreamed the flowers that round her bloomed would

ever know decay;

She had no winter in her note, but evermore would sing (What darker season had she proved?) of spring, of only spring."

NINA had made Reginald promise, not to go down to the cottage, until she was ready to accompany him: she longed to witness the surprise and pleasure which his unexpected appearance would create, and she had some little curiosity to see the meeting between the lovers.

Reginald fain would have had it otherwise :

he would have preferred going alone—but how could he contradict any wish of the Countess? And the Earl would rather have seen his little lady resting quietly upon one of her luxurious. sofas, after the fatigue of so long a journey. But in vain he hinted, that it would be better to allow her young friend to go alone to the cottage; she had set her mind upon her little plan, and fortunately for the accomplishment of her wish, at that moment a gentleman, to whom Lord Elmsdale had written, arrived, on business connected with the event that had brought him so suddenly into the country; so she made her escape, promising to bring back the party from the cottage to tea.

How happy was this fair young creature, as she glided through this splendid specimen of one of the lordly domains, justly the glory of England, and which, for beauty, extent, and scrupulous good keeping, are not to be met with in any other country! The one we now mention

possessed all the attractions of park scenery, added to its own natural advantages. All existence seemed animated; every object breathed of sweetness and repose.

To a lover of the country as enthusiastic as Nina, we may imagine the feeling of liberty—of perfect ecstacy, which danced at her heart. And her companion—he had his throbs of joy. He felt that it was to his home-his own childhood's home,—that he was returning; and the idea brought with it a rush of all his best affections. But he was nervous and excited; and Nina remarked, as they drew near, that his cheeks flushed, and his voice trembled.

The cottage stood within the park, and from its picturesque appearance, added to the beauty of the general effect. It was partially screened by a few magnificent trees, which spread their broad branches, as if in protection, as well as affording an embellishment to this humble dwelling. The building was low; it stood in the

midst of a garden, which could scarcely be equalled in the beauty of its arrangements, and the choice and luxuriance of its flowers, which now bloomed in all the pride of summer.

The

They came upon it rather abruptly, at the termination of a shady walk, and a gate led at once into this little paradise of sweets. Countess paused in delighted surprise; she hardly expected to see the air of refinement which met her eye;-it was indeed like fairyland. Reginald seemed rapidly to traverse with a glance the whole scene. He looked for the moving objects that were wont to enliven the picture. All at first was still and tranquil; but in another instant, a form was seen to issue from the open door of the cottage.

It was Alice!-she held a basket, with gardening scissars, in her hand, and stood for a brief moment, as if in admiration of the spot, which her creative hand had helped to make so lovely, and then approached to where they stood, partly

concealed by the foliage of a tree. She was even close to them, and still unconscious of their presence, when a voice, which pronounced her name, made her start violently. The poor girl gazed round her with a bewildered air; and when at last she saw from whence the sound proceeded, her first impulse was to throw herself into Reginald's arms. But the surprise was

too sudden-too much for her. She had not been well, was weak and languid; and the unexpected reaction of her feelings was more than she could bear-she had fainted. And now a scene of confusion ensued: an affrighted scream from Nina, when she saw the pale face of the insensible girl, was heard through the casements of the cottage; and Mr. Stanley, followed by a stranger, immediately joined the group. What an unexpected vision met his eyes! His sonhis dear and only boy, for a sight of whom his heart had so ardently yearned!—and the joy which he would have otherwise felt, damped by