guests; and much simple merriment was sounding from the booths, under which other strangers were partaking of such plain fare as the village could supply. The sun was still high in the heavens when the people all came forth to conclude their holiday with rural sports. A large party from the Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Keppel and their children, and the clergyman's family, besides some visiters among the higher ranks, who had not yet departed after seeing the Well-dressing, united with the crowd of country people on the green, as spectators of the exhibitions. Various feats of agility were displayed by the village boys; and these were followed by trials of skill between them and other young men from the country round, who entered the lists against them. The shouts and cheers which attended the competitors, seemed to animate them to unusual exertions, and the rivalry in athletic exercises was very great; so that it for some time seemed doubtful which of the candidates was pre-eminent in strength and activity. The most difficult task had been reserved as the prize-effort. A tall pole had been erected on the green, on the top of which a hat was placed, which the successful aspirant was to bring down as the reward of his skill,

Several boys tried to accomplish this in vain. "Indeed, mother, I think it is quite impossible," said Alfred, who had been watching the proceedings with great interest.

"Perhaps Harry Fraser may manage it,” said Mrs. Keppel," as he has been at sea." She had hardly said the words, when the nimble young sailor was seen clambering up the pole with the speed of lightning. He seized the hat, and, waving it triumphantly, placed it on his head. Nor was he content till he had mounted on the very summit, where he stood upright, balancing himself for some moments, with perfect confidence; at which sight a general acclamation burst from the spectators.

When Harry had descended from his perilous situation, the village band struck up a lively tune, and dancing commenced among the young people on the green. The older villagers assembled in knots under the trees, or in the porches of their houses, while the children amused themselves with leap-frog and ball. The utmost hilarity and good humour prevailed; and it was not till the fall of evening that the parties broke up. The carts and shandries were then again in motion; and, after many a warm shake of the hand, and friendly "Good night," the

villagers of Tessington were left to their repose. The sun went down behind the hill; and the great sycamores threw a dark shade over the churchyard. All was still and silent; and sleep came to give refreshment and strength for the labours of the ensuing day.

"The Well-dressing is over for this year now, mamma!” said little Anna Keppel, the next morning; "I am very sorry!"

66

Why are you sorry, my dear?" asked her

mother.

"Because next year is so far off!"

"But you would not like to see a Welldressing every day, would you?"

"Perhaps not, if it was always the same," answered Anna; "but I should like every day to be a holiday, mamma."

"So many little girls think," said Mrs. Keppel; "but I believe, Anna, you would be sadly tired of holidays, if they came every day. It is because they happen only now and then, and are different from your usual employments, that you think them pleasant. When you are older, you will learn how true it is that nothing makes us so happy, for a length of time, as being useful and doing good."

L

"And what must I do to be useful, mamma? I am such a little child."

"You may be useful in many ways, my dear. No one is too young to be of some service to others, if she tries. I can tell you, for instance, of a kindness you may help to perform at this moment, and which I think will give you pleasure." "What is it, mamma?" asked Anna, eagerly. "You may assist me to make a flannel waistcoat for poor John Fraser: I want to have it finished as soon as possible, that I may take it to him this morning."

Now the truth was, that Anna did not like needlework. She was an active little girl, and the sitting quiet was irksome to her. But she forgot this in her great wish to be of use to her mother, and to poor sick John; and she sat down upon the buffet, and sewed very diligently for half an hour. At length, the waistcoat was completed; and Mrs. Keppel and Anna set out to take it to the cottage, and make enquiries after the invalid. They were grieved to find that he was not up, and that the violence of his cough, and his difficulty in breathing, had much increased during the night. Harry was in the house, looking very sorrowful. Susan spoke cheerfully, but it was plain her heart misgave her. Mrs. Keppel asked

if the doctor had been; and promised to send some broth, and other nice things, for poor John.

“Thank you kindly, my Lady," said the old woman; "he takes very little, but now and then some toast and water, to refresh his mouth, which is sadly parched. But he says he is very comfortable, and wants for nothing."

As Susan spoke, Mr. Carson entered, and enquired, with much solicitude, after the sick man. Susan told him he was very weak, and could scarcely speak, but that he had been expressing a wish to see him. The good curate immediately went up-stairs, and seated himself at the bedside of his poor friend. His first glance told him that death was not far off, but it seemed to be robbed of all its terrors. John Fraser lay with his hands clasped, and his eyes closed, apparently engaged in prayer. When Mr. Carson spoke to him, he looked round, and said, "Thank you for coming to me; I like to see you: but, blessed be God, I am at peace within myself." He then expressed a wish to join once more in prayer with his family; and Susan and Harry, who, on the departure of Mrs. Keppel, had come anxiously to wait at the door, soon entered, and knelt at his side. When Mr. Carson had finished praying, the dying man