sible that you thought me serious-that you believed that?' 'Indeed,' said Grace, very much alarmed, 'my father assured me that you were married.' "That is very odd. Some time agobefore I had seen you, or rather before our acquaintance had commenced, your father said to me one day-" when are you to be married?" and I answered, "Oh, for the present poetry is my little wife." The young gentleman improved the opportunity of making known to Grace that he had never been in love until now, &c. And Grace had owned that she was willing to have him ask mamma a little question. Certainly when the chaise stopped at Mr Elton's door, there were two very bright faces revealed. The poet took papa away, and Grace was glad to dance up to her own room. 'Well, my dear,' said Mr Elton, 'Lawrence Norton has proposed.' 'Proposed what?' To marry Grace.' 'What, our Grace? What do you mean, Mr Elton? To take another wife?' 'Yes, my dear.' And what did you say? Did you stand still and smile?' 'Yes, I smiled, I assure you, and told him, if Grace happened to fancy him, that I was willing.' 'Why, what is the matter with mamma?' cried Grace, as she entered the room. 'Grace!' cried Mrs Elton, 'your papa has told that vile Lawrence Norton that he may have you for his other wife, if you wish it.' Grace looked down and smiled slightly. Papa thought proper to explain-Mrs Elton listened with a mixture of vexation and amazement, and at last promised to think of the matter; and perhaps by the time Grace was twenty-five she might give her answer. In one year there was a wedding. SELECTIONS FROM JEAN PAUL. Nothing so moves man as the look of pardon. Our weaknesses are not purchased too dear by the hour of their forgiveness, and the angel who feels no resentment must envy the man who overcomes it. When thou forgivest, the man who wounds thy heart is like the seaworm that perforates the oyster shell, which closes up the wound with pearls. The joy of sensitive men is modest. They show their wounds more readily than their raptures, because they do not think both are deserved, or they show both from behind the veil of a tear. When a man remains modest, not by praise, but by censure, then is he truly modest. Begin the cultivation of thy heart, not with the improvement of thy noble propensities, but with the bridling of thy perverse inclinations. When once the weeds are withered or plucked up, then will the noble flower raise its head and grow luxuriantly. One learns silence best among those who have none, and talkativeness best among those who are silent. In our age the decrease of stoicism and the increase of egotism are about equal. The stoic covers his treasures and buds with ice, the other is ice itself. So in physics; the mountains decrease while the glaciers increase. When one does not hold still at the sting of a bee or of fortune, the sting tears out and remains behind. Sorrowful earth, which three or four great men can make better or desolate! Thou art a real theatre. In the foreground are several fighting actors and linen tents, while the painted soldiers and tents crowd the background. States, like diamonds, when they have defects, are divided into smaller; and men in great states, and bees in great hives, lose their courage and vigour, if they affix small lands to other small lands, like one colony-hive to another. Man thinks his own affliction is that of humanity, as bees estimate the weather by the dryness of their hive, and although the sun shines, do not venture out for fear of the rain. To man, as to books, there are before and behind two white empty coverschilhood and old age. Memory is the only paradise from which we cannot be expelled. Even our first parents were not banished thence. Virtue itself gives no consolation when thou hast lost a friend; and the noble heart that friendship has pierced bleeds mortally, and all the balm of love cannot staunch it. One seldom knows those who are happicst. The gentle zephyr of purest joy moves no metallic anemoscope, nor announces its noiseless flight from echoing towers. SLEEPING WITH A RATTLESNAKE. positive knowledge on the subject, for his entrance had been unannounced; but I thought I had a right to make that assumption, and to govern myself ac Our tents were pitched one night, as usual. It was not long before the camp-fires gave token that the even-cordingly. ing meal was in process of preparation. In due time the guards were set, silence reigned in the little army, and naught was to be heard save the regular tread of the night-watch, as he paced his silent round. I had no idea when I turned in that night, that I was to be unceremoniously turned out before morning. But I was mistaken. During the night, our camp was visited by a most furious rain-storm. The water descended in torrents, and disturbed in his lurking-place an enormous rattlesnake, who, it would seem, took up his line of march, with, I presume, no very correct idea of his destination, but with a commendable desire, I doubt not, to provide himself with shelter from the pitiless storm that was raging about, and invading his dominions, the broad forest, of which he had probably been an undisturbed occupant for many years. I cannot for one moment imagine that his snakeship had any particular penchant for my quarters, but it so happened that about one o'clock at night, or rather morning, he brought up at my tent, and, acting upon the old proverb-perhaps it is not a proverb, only a saying-of 'any port in a storm,' he pitched in, without as much as saying, 'By your leave, sir;' and the first intimation afforded me that I was to be honoured with his distinguished presence was the fact that he was insinuating his cold, wet, and horrid carcase directly across my legs, just above the knee-joints. Having obtruded himself thus far into good society, he seemed to be entirely satisfied with himself, with me, and, for aught I knew, with the rest of mankind, and the comfortable quarters into which he had thus thrust himself unbidden; for I am very certain, had I been permitted to make choice of a companion for the night, my tendencies would not have been in that direction. But here he was, warm, quiet, and free from the storm, and seemed mightily inclined, so far as I could discover, to tarry for awhile. But by this time I began fully to realise my own position. I had assumed, in the first place, as all the indications were that way, that it was a snake; and my imagination, in the second place, led me to suppose it was a rattlesnake. Of course I had no | | | But the thought of such a companion was horrible! A sleeping partner, too— a snake, so forbidding in every possible aspect, that even at this time, although about nineteen years have rolled over the incident, it makes me shudder through every limb to think of! But that was not the question uppermost in my mind at that time. The question was: 'how am I to get rid of him?' And it was a nice question, too-one more casily conceived than executed. I knew the fix I was in, I was fully aware of my position; for my presence of mind had not for one moment deserted me. Although an intruder-although he had presumed to poach upon my manor without a license-still I was aware that this king of his species was to be treated with great respect and consideration, until I had got, at least, beyond the reach of his murderous fangs. I commenced, therefore, the process of sliding my legs out from under him-not, to be sure, at a pace of two-forty-but imitating more the speed of the snail, and almost holding my breath during the operation. I was fully aware that my only safety lay in this. Perhaps I might have got rid of him in a more summary way, but in doing it, perhaps I might have placed him in a position unsuited to his dignity, and contrary to his ideas of propriety, and most probably retaliation on his part would have followed, and I should have come out of the contest second best. But I found my plan working well, and persevered in its execution. By dint of great patience, I finally, after a labour of some ten minutes or more, succeeded in finding myself free from my disgusting companion. I at once threw off the mosquito-bar that surrounded my ground-bed, stepped over my blankets, drew on my boots, as a matter of precaution, not knowing the precise locality of my pleasing and amiable companion at this time. I now seized a shillelah that I knew was standing in a corner of my tent-for it was as dark as Egyptian darkness itself-and commenced flailing my scanty bed with an earnestness that would have been highly amusing to a disinterested looker-on. I continued this healthful exercise for some fifteen minutes, in the fond hope that some of my random blows, although given in the dark, and without any knowledge of the locality of his snakeship, might be so fortunately directed as to finish the career of my enemy. But I was in total ignorance of the result, and had no means at hand by which I could throw any light on the subject. True, I had candles, but what use were they to me without matches?-and of them I had none. I finally put on part of my clothes, threw my cloak around me, took my umbrella, for it was still raining in torrents, and sallied forth into the camp. But here I was no better off. The rain had extinguished the camp-fires, and darkness reigned supreme. The sentinel was at his post, but it was useless to trouble him with my story. My umbrella soon became useless as a protection against the drenching storm, and I was forced back to my tent for shelter. But here all was doubt and uncertainty. What had become of the snake? There was a possibility that I might have killed him, but there was an uncertainty about it. But I ventured back, and drawing out my rifle-case, which had served me for a pillow, I sat down on it, near the entrance to the tent, resolutely determined to watch the waning hours until daylight should reveal to me the result of my labours. The reader may imagine my thoughts, but it would be difficult to describe them. At length-it seemed almost like an eternity-the dawn broke upon another day. It was like a new life, a new being, a new existence. Again the life-blood began to course freely through my veins; my heart had gone back to its usual resting-place, and was again performing its accustomed functions. The first rosy tints of morning satisfied me my enemy was not in sight. Where was he? Was he lurking in some sly corner, ready to strike whenever I should approach him? Certain it was he had not coiled himself about my legs, nor had he wreathed himself about my body or neck! Where was he, then? Perhaps I had killed him. Lucky thought. Why had it not occurred to me before? Again I seized my stickthe same identical one with which I had performed such wonderful deeds in the dark the night before-and with this I raised the blankets up, and there lay my sleeping companion, my bed-fellow, now sleeping the sleep of death! After this occurrence, I slept in my boat, and there was an additional tent for the use of the soldiers. But the reason for this was to them a mystery. HOME FINDINGS. FINDING VI. When I married, I was a young foolish thing of seventeen, very romantic, and equally fond of having my own way. I chose my husband out of two or three eligible young men, who, believing, perhaps, that I should make a pretty amiable sort of wife, and possibly tempted by my father's position, and the nice little fortune he had it in his power to bestow upon me, made persevering love to me. Everybody wondered why I should choose the poorest and plainest of my admirers. There was certainly no disinterestedness in the case. The truth was, Charles had been so very humble and assiduous as a lover, that I expected my love of power to be fully gratified in my new position as a wife. However, I very soon found out my mistake. Charles rather disappointed me, even during the honeymoon. He was not always willing to attend me in my promenades at all hours of the day. Sometimes he wanted to go one way, when I had signified my intention of going another; or he wished to spend an evening at home, when I was tempted by the programme of a public ball or concert. The wretch even carried his independence so far as to fall asleep once or twice after dinner; and, though I had not yet acquired boldness to be openly angry, I testified my displeasure by coqueting with him the whole of the day after. However, when at length we arrived in our snug little home, and I assumed all the dignity of a bride, I determined to make a firm stand against the spirit of independence and authority that I saw growing upon my husband, and to settle the matter once for all, whether Charles was to be pleased or I. An opportunity was soon afforded me. 'My love,' said my husband, coming in one evening in a great fuss, 'Taglioni will make her farewell appearance at our theatre to-night, and I have secured tickets for you and me. There will be an awful crush. I might not have been able to procure the tickets, for I was so full of thought as I went to the office this morning, that I never observed the placards, so I knew nothing about it until noon. But Tom Taylor had two to dispose of, because they had just heard of the death of his wife's father, so I bought them at once. And now let us have tea; and make haste and dress yourself, for the cab will be here in an hour.' 'Bless me, Charles!' I exclaimed, 'what a fuss! And how excited you are just about a dancer! Even if I approved of such an exhibition, I don't think I could go, for I faithfully promised to spend an hour or two this evening with that dear creature, Ellen Haigh.' 'Not go!' cried my husband. 'What nonsense, Louisa. You must go, after the hurry I have made to come home for you. What new fit of propriety is this? 'You might have sent me a note from the office,' I said, 'to know whether I should like your scheme or not. I would rather not hazard the crush, even for Taglioni, if it's all the same to you.' Pooh! I never knew you afraid of a crush before. It is all mere perversity. Come, just give me a cup of tea-there's a good girl-and mind you are in your best looks to-night,' he added, smiling. There was no making the creature believe that I really disapproved of the exhibition, or preferred spending the evening with my friend. He pooh-poohed all my protestations and all my arguments. I waxed positive, then angry, and at length we had a regular quarrel. In the midst of this the cab drove up to the door, and my husband ran hastily up-stairs, to smooth his ruffled countenance and put some finishing touches to his apparel. 'And did the monster really go alone?' asks some young wife among my readers, jealous of her pre-eminence. Indeed he did, my sympathising sister; and the worst of it all was, that, though I pouted, and sulked, and endeavoured to render his life miserable for a whole week, I had to give in, and make the first advances, after all. However, though I have not space to record the whole transaction, it cured me of my ambition for unlimited power; and yet I have in reality lost nothing by this unlooked-for result, for, at this moment-by endeavouring to oblige my husband, and yielding my will to his in immaterial matters-I can at any time secure his compliance with any reasonable desire or conscientious scruple of mine. Found. That when one of the gentler sex yields up herself and her actions to the guidance and protection of her na tural lord and master, Man, it is equally vain and unwise to stand out about trifles; and that the only way to make her opinions and wishes respected is, by the acquirement of that potent influence which is based upon a graceful and loving spirit of submission. ADAPTATION OF PLANTS TO THE WANTS OF MAN. The quantity of grass which grows on this remarkable region is astonishing, even to those who are familiar with India. It usually rises in tufts with bare spaces between, or the intervals are occupied by creeping plants, which, having their roots buried far beneath the soil, feel little the effects of the scorching sun. The number of these which have tuberous roots is very great; and their structure is intended to supply nutriment and moisture, when during the long droughts they can be obtained nowhere else. Here we have an example of a plant, not generally tuber-bearing, becoming so under circumstances where that appendage is necessary to act as a reservoir for preserving its life; and the same thing occurs in Angola to a species of grape-bearing vine, which is so furnished for the same purpose. The plant to which I at present refer is one of the cucurbitaceae, which bears a small scarletcoloured eatable cucumber. Another plant, named Leroshúa, is a blessing to the inhabitants of the Desert. We see a small plant with linear leaves, and a stalk not thicker than a crow's quill; on digging down a foot or eighteen inches beneath, we come to a tuber, often as large as the head of a young child; when the rind is removed, we find it to be a mass of cellular tissue, filled with fluid much like that in a young turnip. Owing to the depth beneath the soil at which it is found, it is generally deliciously cool and refreshing. Another kind, named Mokuri, is seen in other parts of the country, where long-continued heat parches the soil. This plant is a herbaceous creeper, and deposits under ground a number of tubers, some as large as a man's head, at spots in a circle a yard or more, horizontally, from the stem. The natives strike the ground on the circumference of the circle with stones, till, by hearing a difference of sound, they know the water-bearing tuber to be beneath They then dig down a foot or so, and find it. But the most surprising plant of the Desert is the 'Kengwe, or Keme' (Cucumis Caffer), the water-melon. In years when more than the usual quantity of rain falls, vast tracts of the country are literally covered with these melons; this was the case annually when the fall of rain was greater than it is now, and the Bakwains sent trading parties every year to the lake. It happens commonly once every ten or eleven years, and for the last three times its occurrence has coincided with an extraordinary wet season. Then animals of every sort and name, including man, rejoice in the rich supply. The elephant, true lord of the forest, revels in this fruit, and so do the different species of rhinoceros, although naturally so diverse in their choice of pasture. The various kinds of antelopes feed on them with equal avidity, and lions, hyenas, jackals, and mice, all seem to know and appreciate the common blessing. These melons are not, however, all of them eatable; some are sweet, and others so bitter, that the whole are named by the Boers the 'bitter water-melon.' The natives select them by striking one melon after another with a hatchet, and applying the tongue to the gashes. They thus readily distinguish between the bitter and sweet. The bitter are deleterious, but the sweet are quite wholesome. This peculiarity of one species of plants bearing both sweet and bitter fruits occurs also in a red eatable cucumber often met with in the country. It is about four inches long, and about an inch and a-half in diameter. It is of a bright scarlet colour when ripe. Many are bitter, others quite sweet. Even melons in a garden may be made bitter by a few bitter kengwe in the vicinity. The bees convey the pollen from one to the other.-Dr Livingstone. TURKISH PROVERBS. He that eats does not know, but he that cuts knows how much is consumed. A cucumber being given to a poor man, he did not accept it because it was crooked. If you have money, you are wise; if you have none, you are a fool. The fox goes at the last to the shop of the furrier. The camel went in search of horns, and lost its ears. He who asks has one black face, and he who refuses has two. Buy the respect of the insolent. God keep us from judge and doctor. After the conflagration remain ruins. The replenished understand not the pain of the starving. Broth made of cheap meat is insipid. Nourish the raven that will pick out thine eyes. You cannot contract for the fish that is in the sea. A THOUGHT ABOUT WASHINGTON. In the complicated and marvellous machinery of circumstances, it is absolutely impossible to decide what would have happened, as to some events, if the slighest disturbance had taken place, in the march of those that preceded them. We may observe a little dirty wheel of brass spinning round upon its greasy axle, and the result is, that in another apartment, many yards He that falls in the sea, takes hold of distance from it, a beautiful piece of silk issues the serpent to be saved. Long hair, little brain. He that speaks truth, must have one leg in the stirrup. Strong vinegar ruins the vessel in which it is contained. The nest of a blind bird is made by God. Kiss ardently the hands which you cannot cut off. The teeth of a horse of which a present has been made are not observed. Every fish that escapes appears greater than it really is. from a loom, rivalling in its hues the tints of the rainbow; there are myriads of events in our lives, the distance between which was much greater than that between this wheel and the riband, but where the connection has been much more close. If a private country gentleman in Cheshire, about the year 1630, had not been overturned in his carriage, it is extremely probable that America, instead of being a free republic at this moment, would have continued a dependent colony of England. This country gentleman happened to be Augustus Washington, Esquire, who was thus accidentally thrown into the company of a lady, who afterwards became his wife, who emigrated with him to America, and in the year 1632, at Virginia, became the envied mother of George Washington the Great. |