deeply-rooted attachments, and though unconscious | cally through a country of unrivalled beauty. But of the fate that awaited her, Mimosa trembled Mimosa had been accustomed to sheltered dells with vague fear.

A long and weary tossing on the restless sea now ensued. But of this, Mimosa knew nothing; for, imprisoned in her dungeon, which was now in total darkness, since the plant had been shut up in a close and ill-lighted cabin, she could see nothing of the terrors that surrounded her. But she thirsted for the fresh dew of the morning, she pined for the honey that lies hidden in the perfumed chalice of the flower, and she grew wild with longing for the pure air and bright sunshine. Still her gentle influences were not unfelt, for the plant, as if conscious of her presence, grew and thrived as luxuriantly as if it still bloomed on its mossy bank, and the sweet lady who loved it for the sake of her native land, rejoiced in its vigorous life.

and little cozy retreats; to green glades and tiny, thread-like streams. The lofty highlands, the dense forest, the broad and rushing river, all combined to form a scene of sublime grandeur which overpowered and disheartened her. It needed little wisdom to discover that there could be no fairy dells in these mighty forests. The spirits of this mountain land, if such there were, must be, she thought, of a sterner and hardier race than the gentle spirits of Albion's green isle.

In the course of many after wanderings around her solitary home, Mimosa found one sweet spot which, save that it was lone and unpeopled, was even lovelier than the fairy haunts of her own dear land. From a narrow ravine at the top of a lofty cliff, rushed a full, deep stream, which, breaking Weeks passed on; the long voyage was ended over the up-piled rocks, flashed and sparkled into and the term of Mimosa's imprisonment at length an oval basin, that seemed hollowed by the hand was fulfilled. One evening she felt the gradual of nature to be the mirror and the bath of beauty. unclosing of the leaf which had been her cell, and Large trees bordered and shut in this beautiful glen, beneath the broad light of a clear winter's moon, while flowering shrubs of every variety interlaced Mimosa suddenly found herself once more at liberty. their branches. A narrow strip of green sward But how strange was the scene into which she emer-edged the clear but shallow lakelet, whose waters ged! Instead of the fairy dell and charmed ring, upon found their way out in a narrow thread-like rivulet, which she had last looked, she now found herself winding far off amid the brush-wood, until lost in in a large but close apartment where books and the distant Hudson. Beautiful indeed was the music, needle-work and flowers were gathered to- spot,-beautiful is it even now; for while men gether by feminine taste. A bright fire blazed in the ample hearth, and as Mimosa peered out of the casement which admitted the frosty moonlight, she perceived that a mantle of snow covered the green earth. Forlorn and disconsolate the poor fairy felt as if she had gained little by exchanging a narrow cell for a wider and more desolate prison. So she returned to her primrose leaf and crept once more into its covert with a sensation of utter despair.

But the cheerful tenderness of the gentle creature soon found a ministry with which to solace her weary hours. The vase of English flowers had been placed amid many rich and rare exotics which graced the lady's chamber, and Mimosa soon discovered that the delicate strangers were pining in the close atmosphere. To freshen their drooping hearts by her sweet breath, to revive their fading blossoms by her dewy touch, and to give them back the glory of their summer prime by her kindly influences became now her duty and delight. Thus did the Elfin Exile pass the long and dreary winter, until the genial airs of spring had unlocked the frozen earth and given liberty to the imprisoned flowers, which now revelled in the light and dew of Heaven.

It was on a moonlit evening in early spring, that Mimosa ventured to leave her narrow home to learn something of the strange land in which she now found herself. The spot in which she had been set down, was a lovely domain on the banks of the noble Hudson, which sweeps proudly and majesti

have left their footprints on every rock, and have levied tribute from every tributary of that noblest of rivers, the “Indian Fall" is still as lovely in its simple and sublime loneliness, as when none but the red hunter had climbed its steep sides to bathe his heated brow in its crystal waters.

To this sweet spot Mimosa unconsciously directed her flight on a calm, still evening in the glad summer time. Entranced with delight when she found herself amid so much beauty, the pale and drooping fairy folded her gossamer wings, and, gliding, like a ray of moonlight amid the dark foliage, at length threw herself upon a bed of soft velvet moss, which had felt the freshness of the waterfall until its hue was like the emerald, and its touch like the lip of beauty. Suddenly there arose upon the still air, a faint, sweet music, like the chime of the fairy harebell, only clearer and more distinct, more wildly sweet. The heart of Mimosa thrilled with delight; it was the elfin signal; some gentle spirit was near, and the lonely fairy felt a new hope spring up in her bosom. Anon the strain was repeated from the other side; then it resounded from beneath her feet; and as she looked down, she perceived the delicate blossoms of the blue harebell, swinging gently in the breeze, and giving out their melodious chimes. Delighted to find that which reminded her so sweetly of home, she raised her eyes in rapture, when they encountered a figure which rivetted their gaze.

Standing on the quivering branch of a Kalmia,

with his tiny form half hidden by the clustering | "And where is now the Manitto and his fairy blossoms, and his little brown face peering curiously bride?"

down upon her, was a creature evidently of elfin

6

where the wide prairie spreads its ocean of flowers unrifled by the bee, whose busy hum is so sure a herald of civilization, that it is known among the Indians as the white man's fly,'-where the deer and the buffalo roam amid forests unprofaned by the axe of the settler,-where the dweller in cities has never come with his poisonous 'fire water,' and his ill-taught creed, there may still be found the abode of the Elfin Exile, and her dusky Lord."

"Wend your way to the setting sun-whither race, but of some strange nation and tribe. His the red men are fast retiring before the hurrying swarthy skin, his glittering black eyes, and the footsteps of the pale faces. Where dwells the Instraight raven locks which hung down to his slen-dian hunter in the fastnesses of inaccessible wildsder waist, were unlike any thing Mimosa had ever seen, while his moccasined feet, his mantle of silvery down, his crown of feathery scarlet blossoms, and the bow and arrows, which he bore in his hand, excited her utmost wonder. Timid, yet half rejoiced, she drew her green robe closely around her, and gazed half in expectancy, half in fear, upon the stranger. It was the gentle Manitto of Flowers, and with strange delight did the red spirit gaze upon the pale fair beauty of the elfin exile, as with golden tresses glistening in the moonlight, and blue eyes swimming in tender tears, she lay on the mossy turf, looking upward towards him.

There is a language which all can understand, a tone of sympathy which appeals to all; an instant recognition of kindred which is felt even by human nature amid all its bonds; and oh! how much more keenly in the sweet intercourse of spirit-life. Heretofore the Manitto had been content to reign and rule alone. He had breathed the fragrance of flowers and fed his sense of beauty upon their loveliness, but he had never known the power nor the need of sympathy. Now a sudden and delicious thrill pervaded his delicate frame. He leapt from his high eminence, and, with the bewitching tenderness of a loftier and bolder nature, he wooed the gentle fairy to trustfulness and happiness.

Mimosa had shrunk from the feeble and freakish love of her own people; she had shut up her heart from the influence of the mystic passion; but the bold bearing, the proud tenderness, the gentle, yet lofty courtesy of the woodland spirit, won her admiring affection. Alone, and exiled from the sweet, but enervating influences of fairy frolics, she learned the high, free pleasures of forest life. Ere the moon had waned, Mimosa had learned the happiness of loving; and the delicate English fairy became the bride of the Indian Manitto of flowers.

No longer pining after her distant home, she yet delighted to exhibit some of its beauties to her lover, and many a wild flower until then unknown in our forest glades, did her sweet breath call into life to adorn the enchanted glen, where the pair had found

their home.

"And is this the reason why so many English wild flowers are found in our woodlands, while the richest and most gorgeous of our wild flowers refuse to spring spontaneous in the fair garden of Albion's lovely isle ?"

"Precisely—the wild flowers which the fairy strewed in her lover's pathway, though changed by atmosphere and soil, are yet of the same race as those of her own fairy land."

VOL. XI-2

LOVE SKETCHES.

He loved, for oh! what heart could look,
Untouched, upon her grace,

Or turn from the enchanting charm
Of that bewildering face?

And she possessed the power of thought,
The gazer's mind to fill,

And winning words, most soft and low,
Would haunt his memory still.

He doubted not the soul within
Was worthy of its shrine--

O! Love! what ray will ever break
The blindness that is thine?

It was a clear, tranquil afternoon, and the sun, now nearly down, threw a rich golden tinge over the ocean that languidly rolled its small, restless waves upon the smooth beach near the frequented watering place of. The scene and hour were beautiful, and fraught with that mystical repose which summons hopes to the happy, and brings back It was a spot for musing, for who can stand beside long hidden memories to the hearts that are sad. that mysterious, tumultuous waste, that vast wilderness of waters, so fearful even in its treacherous and troubled sleep, that world of which we know nothing, though our steps are on its very threshold, yet feel within the stirring of no solemn thought? The frivolities of fashion may be around, and the reflections which arise may be indulged in silence, but we pity the few who can gaze with indifference upon this mighty revelation of Omnipotence, or listen unmoved to the perpetual voice with which the sea speaks to heaven. Many griefs have ye to answer for, oh! wild, unweary waves! for ye hold, far down within your unfathomed bosom, the buried love of thousands; ye have fearfully trifled with the dearest of human expectations; ye have recklessly broken, in an instant, the treasured ties that had strengthened and endured for years. The

gold which lies uselessly glittering in your depths,| Amy was a sensitive and gentle girl, not beautiwould redeem mankind from half its misery, would ful, perhaps scarcely pretty, but possessing that banish want from its dim and hideous haunts, and winning grace of manner which bears the hue of dissipate the darkness of poverty from the earth: the heart, and covers a multitude of defects. She but ye have no relentings, and your cruelly hoarded had fine literary taste, a strange sort of quiet enwealth will never be seen by mortal eye, save in thusiasm, and a strong reverence for the pure and the brief agony of its desperate and closing glance. lovely and heroic-not such as we find commemoAnd ye have grasped far dearer things, treasures rated in the glowing chronicles of romance, but the world's accumulated riches could not replace: the pure and lovely about our daily paths, the heye have divided those who had no separate life, roism silently exerted by many a troubled, but unand who had prayed and trusted to be together in recorded experience. She was one full of affecdeath. Ye have taken from the lover the one be- tionate sympathy, and a close, though placid obloved face which "made his star-light," from the server. Many a grieving heart had blest her for wife the cherished affection of her youth, from the gentle words kindly spoken, and unobtrusive acts pale widowed mother her only son. There are of friendly interest. Her most powerful feeling eyes now growing dim with watching through was devotion to her brother, a sentiment of blended tears for those whose footsteps may tread the earth love and reverence. no more, and whose melancholy destiny, ye alone could reveal. Yet ye roll triumphantly on, unaltered and exulting still; ye are traceless, and Time passeth over ye without one record of his pathway. As ye were in the times of old, your days of innocence, when the Holy One bade ye be still, and the Apostle walked upon your billows, such are ye yet, oh! sleepless and terrible waters! Heaven help those, who, forsaking home and kindred, wend their perilous way across the deep blue sea!

Such musings as these were in the minds of two promenaders, a lady and gentleman, who were the last of many groups that had been enjoying a ramble along the shore. They walked very slowly, for the lady, though young, was an invalid, and the brother and sister, for such they were, had but recently traversed that vast ocean on their return from seeking in far lands, the health their own denied. They lingered now, watching the fretting of the billows in their ceaseless motion, and listening to the gurgle with which they at last broke mournfully, as if with reluctance, upon the pebbles. They paused to give one more parting look at their favorite and familiar view, and then, warned by the departing daylight, slowly wended their way homeward.

And well he deserved the tenderness his sister entertained so earnestly, for Charles Lynton was no common man. Gifted with talents which had won him preeminence among his college companions, and since obtained him distinction whenever they were exercised; independent, ambitious, and tempted by the flattery which ever follows the footsteps of the fortunate, he was endued with an innate strength of purpose, no temptation could pervert or profane. He had early attained that conviction men usually learn so latethe knowledge of his own responsibilities; and he turned, with a proud consciousness of right, from ordinary allurements, and devoted thought and feeling to the culture and elevation of his loftier nature. He had grown philosophic unconsciously and prematurely, and his peculiar isolation and freedom from household ties and distractions, had developed his self-resources, and taught him to look within for happiness and above for comfort. He was a student in the best sense of the term, a resolute, reflecting, persevering thinker, and in many respects his opinions and conduct were widely at variance with those of his ordinary associates. His manners were tranquil, but frank and prepossessing; he was not reserved, for he was above Charles and Amy Lynton were wealthy, and had feeling suspicion, and had no thought himself to been orphans for several years. There had hence conceal. He rarely spoke of the graver subjects sprung up between them more than a common ten- which formed at once his pleasures and his hopes, derness-that deep, abiding affection which knits but those contemplations had rendered him more those together who have very few to love them. interesting by teaching the wisdom of conciliation, Theirs was the beautiful time of life when nature and the importance of the influence it bestows. whispers with innumerable voices, all sweet and With his talents too, there was perfect freedom hopeful and gladsome to the ear, when not one from vanity and quick susceptibility of all that was pleasant illusion has been dispelled, nor one gay good in others; and perhaps the loveliest trait in a hope turned into memory. It is a bewitching era, character that claimed so much that was admiraand after times may bring more reasonable enjoy-ble, was his undeviating charity for the failings of ments, and better consolations, but it seems to me those around him. With him it was an abiding a sad thing to grow old, to dwell no longer upon characteristic, not a transitory impulse, and it imexpectations to be realized, but to be ever turning parted to his bearing a charm whose graceful and backward to anticipations never fulfilled. Youth! unaffected cordiality few could resist. Yet LynMorning! Spring! holy are ye, and full of radiant ton, reasonable, thoughtful as he was, had his vispromise, yet passing away before we have felt half ions which no sage reflections could dissipate, no your value, or improved half your opportunities. philosophy altogether satisfy-ah! when did the

mind ever realize the ideals whose perfect loveli- of the moral qualifications beneath, with these unness and final fulfilment live within the heart? deniable external attractions, and well she knew It was on such a being, intellectual, high-princi- that without such harmony, none could deserve, nor pled, and of stern integrity, that the fascination of long retain Lynton's regard. It may be too-for Clara Vernon's attractions arose in their bewilder- there is a selfishness even in love-that she half ing loveliness, to him, the fairest of all realities, a dreaded the entrance of another and an absorbing something brighter than his brightest dreams. They tenderness, into a heart that for many years had had met accidentally at — and reëstablished an been wholly hers, it is so sweet, reason as we acquaintance of long standing, but which had been may, to claim all of another's fondest devotion. It for several years interrupted by the Lyntons' pro- was not strange that Amy wished the intruder, who tracted residence abroad. It was a time and place might share her treasure, to be in all things deservfor love to awake-the sweet summer-time, the ing such a portion, and that she scanned Clara's place where pleasure was made a science. O! disposition with eager scrutiny. And yet she had these watering places! they are the local habita- no definite proofs to offer in confirmation of her tion of many an affaire du coeur which, under vague doubts, for Clara was indeed gifted, and soberer influences, had never sprung to light. And acted well and thoroughly the high toned and how can youth resist, when lulled into listless secu- generous part calculated to obtain the commendarity, surrounded by the loveliness of nature in its tion of judges so fastidious. Why she did so, was gay holiday garb, and by beauty in all its captiva- probably scarcely known to herself, except that she ting and dazzling witchery? Have a care, ye had a vain satisfaction in eliciting the admiration of thoughtless frequenters of pleasure parties, ye all who approached within the circle of her influromantic ramblers by the sea shore! these gay ex-ence. Amy almost regretted having mentioned her peditions are treacherous things, and have called idle suspicions to her brother, so unfounded did they forth words and looks that never fade away from the memory. Who cannot recall impressions left indelibly by such scenes, and remember at least a few of those days, sunny spots to gaze on, which shine out still from the past? Ah! many such come back to me as I write, bringing with them a thousand old thoughts and fancies, and gleaming the greenest places in a life, which, heaven be thanked! has been clouded by few sorrows. One day, the clearest, the happiest, the best recollected of them all, is as vivid to me now as if its mirthful enjoyment had been but yesterday. I recall its peals of laughter, its privileged flirtations, its poetical rhapsodies, and with them, the low tones of the voice that first taught me to believe in the existence of perfect sympathy upon earth. Never, in this world, will the merry circle of that day again assemble; far scattered are its members, though few years have gone since we thus laughed together, and one, the fairest, the gayest of them all, in her maiden beauty, sleepeth tranquilly now. Well! well! my soul grows sad: "is not the past all shadow?" I must turn from pleasures that vanished even as a tale that is told, pleasures whose history is a sigh, to trace your love, oh! dreamers, who are but entering on the silent land, through which we wander to wisdom-and grief?

seem when openly discussed, but women are usually quick-sighted as to the defects of their own sex: perhaps because they are less easily blinded by outward brilliancy, and have not so much of that warm, palliating susceptibility which turns from the faults of the lovely one to "look in her face and forget them all."

Lynton spoke of Clara's fascination, her polished grace, so unerring, yet apparently so natural, and her cultivated taste, so independent in its decisions, yet withal so delicately refined and womanly. He candidly confessed his admiration, and, lover-like, went on to paint how he had often pictured a home made happy and sanctified by such a being; one whose mind could adorn the common scenes of life and yet sympathize with its loftier aims, its noble and elevating purposes. Long and earnestly they dwelt upon the future, for their hopes, like their present, had no divided interest. Moralists are fond of underrating the worth of the external attractions of beauty, but who can deny their serious value and importance when we see daily instances of their shaping out whole destinies, of their winning the approbation and finally commanding the love of the most fastidious and most gifted? Clara well knew the moral excellencies of the heart she had touched, and though feeling a woman's pride in It was of Clara Vernon the brother and sister such a conquest, she would have been better satisfied were conversing as they walked slowly onward on if Lynton had possessed, with all his worldly advanthat summer evening; of her beauty, her graceful- tages, a little more worldliness of thought and amness, her rare mental accomplishments. It was a bition. She could not but approve his views and pleasant theme to Lynton, and yet Amy praised less acknowledge the loftiness of his character, for all warmly and her approval was less readily granted this harmonized with what was the original tone of than was customary with her when dwelling on the her own nature; but it was not agreeable to her to virtues of her brother's favorites. Perhaps with be forced to reverence another, and there was an the penetration which earnest affection not unfre- irrepressible tinge of constraint blending with her quently bestows, she questioned the correspondence involuntary approbation. She saw, "for quickly

comes such knowledge," that he appreciated her than fiction,' which we all experience or observe talents and was aware of her intellectual superiority, in our every day life. We have been compas

and she dreaded that the same penetration should discover also her defects and her sad deficiency in all that gives womanhood its touching humility, and humanity its loveliest reliance. But now, she feared without cause; the good are easily deceived, and doubt is seldom an abiding intruder into hearts, which, in the reflected light of their own virtues, hope and believe all things to be pure and holy.

The weeks that had elapsed since Herbert's departure had brought no amendment of feeling to Clara; with all her seeming gayety she had yet no peace within, and she was in truth a dejected and disappointed woman. Ah! if we took half the pains to attain tranquillity which we waste in affecting it, what a blessed light would spring up amid the world's darkness, making our lives radiant and ourselves, in very truth, but a "little lower than the angels!"

sionate judges to night, however, for there is a softening influence in this exquisite light, which must touch even the hard hearts of critics."

"I fear there are some it could not reach," returned Lynton, "though, after all, severe criticism, with its injustice and cruelty, is seldom the result of actual malice. It is such an easy thing for a quick perception to detect errors and inconsistencies, that it seldom pauses to think of the consequences of its decrees, or the wrong it inflicts by expressing them too harshly. It only learns its power and responsibility, when it has crushed and ruined a spirit, struggling already, perhaps, with a thousand obstacles, and which one comforting word of praise would have healed and restored to healthful action. Indiscriminate approval, in literature as in all things, has its evils, but they are not half so fatal as those resulting from indiscriminate censure, and it would at least speak better for our own natures, if we were as ready to commend as we

romance of daily life; were you its heroine ?"

"No," was Clara's answer, "the beautiful episode in my experience is yet to come," and even then her heart whispered that for her it could never come again. Lynton saw only her soft smile, as he drew his seat closer to hers, and they continued their conversation with deeper interest and in a lower tone.

The moon had risen gloriously into the blue sky, and the eye that looked up met no shadow between its gaze and heaven. It was a night whose pres-are eager to blame. But you were talking of the ence was like a dream of poetry, entrancing, rapturous and yet bewildering. Many a rhapsody hast thou listened to in thy silent pilgrimage, oh! fair and lonely moon, that now lookest down so serenely, silvering the paper upon which these idle lines are traced, for thou bringest the poet inspiration, and the lover eloquence. Thou lightest up the world of romance, and the spirits of all lovely dreams glide forth at thy shining. Thou watchest over all that humanity knows of joy or grief, yet no change is upon thee. The glance of hope beholds thee in unaltered beauty, and the despairing gaze of wretchedness becomes calm and peaceful as it learns, when turned to thee, that there is nothing but brightness in heaven. There are eyes that love me raised to thee now, pale wanderer! oh! wilt thou give them thoughts of me as they gaze, for I have loved thee long and well and I would fain win from thee this sweet sign, that I have not worshipped so fervently in vain!

The brother and sister on reaching the hotel which formed their temporary home at found its various inmates scattered in groups beside the open windows, enjoying the clear beauty of the night. By a casement, looking out upon a small balcony, were seated Clara, her sister, and a lady several years older than themselves, but possessing, in a rare degree, the placid loveliness which the middle of life inherits from a fair and well-spent youth. Lynton and his companion approached this party, and the latter smilingly inquired what subject occupied the grave discussion of the trio.

"Where are your thoughts?" asked Bertha gently, as with sad and abstracted manner the lady beside her was contemplating the unclouded heavens, "our idle conversation has made you too sorrowful."

"No, you are mistaken," replied the lady, in a low voice, as she returned the kind pressure of the small hand, which had sympathizingly stolen into her own, "it is not possible you know to recall a care that is never for a moment forgotten. I was thinking over some of the early scenes of my own life, and as you spoke, my reflections were with one I love and whose path now leads him far away from mine."

Perhaps Bertha remembered one she too loved, and from whom distance divided her, for she sighed slightly as she said, "separation is indeed a wretched thing, but to me it loses half its evil, if we feel sure the thoughts of the absent are with us still."

"That may console and compensate lovers," replied the lady, "but such an assurance has no comfort for an affection like mine, which has watched over its object for many anxious years and feels more than even a sister's care and tenderness. I "Nothing very serious," replied Clara, "though have lost the faculty to hope as firmly as I love, we were conversing so earnestly. We began by and it is a grievous lot to live on, and see, one after employing our tender mercies in criticising the light another, the ties breaking from around our life. I literature of the day, and as you entered, were speak- feel more than usually depressed this evening, being of the several unwritten romances 'stranger'cause I have again been disappointed in receiving