replied Constance; "Mr Grey is happy, though a busy farmer; employment I should consider a cause of happiness, not an obstacle to it."

"O yes!-Grey does make himself happy, but it is by the idea that he is useful. He has much influence, and the utility of his plans and exertions gives him that influence. He likes the constant occupation which his land affords him : I do not; for really the wearing anxiety about the crops, and the consequent hurry, the life of labour, in short, which they lead for so small an object, wearies me. Were it to

obtain a territory, or capture a fortress, I would do a great deal; but this daily business of farming, or agriculture, merely to procure sustenance, is to me a tiresome nothingness of life."

"But were it as necessary to you as it is to Mr Grey, you would then give all the energy of your character to the occupation, and would succeed in that as you have in every former undertaking."

"For your sake, my kind wife, I would certainly endeavour to succeed."

"Thank Heaven, the exertion is unnecessary: amidst all our changes we have not lost our property; we are therefore at liberty to live wherever we please; we are not bound to these woods, my dear Ferdinand; we may settle wherever we can find enlightened society to suit us. But if, along with that enjoyment, you could have some occupation—some object of interest for your mind-something to exercise your talents"

"Yes, my dear, that is what I said-or meant I wish to be useful-actively useful. I have been considering that since the repose and retired stillness of Maple Bank are gone, it would be wiser and more manly to endure the evils of society, and endeavour to fulfil the duties of our own sphere; but your opinion, your wishes shall guide me. I do not overlook your attachment to your friend Amyif you prefer "

"You cannot doubt my wishes, dear Ferdinand! I am indeed deeply attached to Amy Grey-bound to her by affection and gratitude; but I have other ties

"I will tell you, then, the plan I have formed, if you sanction it—and indeed, Constance, from henceforth I shall

feel more doubtful of my own judgment—if you approve of it, we ought to lose no time in its execution."

"Let me know your plan at once-you cannot doubt my concurrence—if, indeed, I understand you."

"My plan is simply to give up this house to Grey, with a request that it may be given to Sydenham in case he refuses to accept an employment I hope to obtain for him, and that he decides to remain in Canada. I am in daily expectation of hearing that the promise contained in my last letter has been fulfilled, and that he has been appointed."

"Well-and then?"

"Then I propose our setting out instantly, while we can still hope for favourable weather, on our return to our own country-to our own home."

"To Pool Basset!" exclaimed Constance, "oh, how happy!" "Yes, my Constance, a home that I ought never to have quitted. If it please Heaven that we reach it in safety, I promise you that no storm of passion, no contemptible vanity, no wayward obstinacy, or tyrannical selfishness, shall induce me to desert it again. That home, dear as it was, will be still dearer now; for we shall be as it were again united, our affection increased, our mutual confidence strengthened by the experience we have acquired."

"My dear Ferdinand!" said Constance, throwing herself into his arms; but her various feelings, long repressed, combined to overpower her; her voice was inaudible.

"Constance! dearest Constance! do not imagine I have been insensible to the sacrifices you have made for me; to your patient compliance with my fancies; to your endeavour to be pleased with what pleased me; to the devotedness of your attachment; to your tenderness; to the enduring affection which has sunk deeper into my heart than even that first youthful love that you confessed to me with those blushing cheeks. My wife! more beloved than you were even at the moment you bestowed yourself upon me! Oh! may Heaven spare you to me-to our boy!"

"We must not recur to the past with any other feeling than satisfaction," said Constance, embracing him; "great good to ourselves and others, may be the consequence. We have enjoyed much pleasure in America; we have gained the friendship of the Greys, which I trust we shall preserve ;

but, more than all, our own mutual affection has become strengthened and exalted through all our wanderings. My dear Ferdinand, my happiness is unspeakable. Now our dear child will be educated; we shall dwell once more at Pool Basset, our real home, and dwell with our beloved parents!—and you-you, my dear husband, will be-in peace, as you were in war-the example and the guiding star to all around you! Oh, heavenly Father, I thank thee!"

THE END.

BALLANTYNE, PRINTER, EDINBURGH.

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