on his part, or of pride on that of Constance, and all would once more have been well. But so they met and so they parted! Before they were divided, never more to meet as of old they used, chance threw in their way an opportunity for an expla nation-an opportunity which circumstance-unphilosophical circumstance again rendered abortive. (To be continued.) THE HOLLY. I LOVE thee ever, first and best of trees! Of the earth's dove-white cheek, and her starr'd veil I love thee dearly, where'er hangs thy bough, On the broad hedge-row or the hill-top's brow: I love thee round the baron's table broad: The heads of horses in the light, crisp road: Old hearts made young again, and young hearts first But better far I love thee when I know And that thy scarlet berries hanging round, Their pointed leaves, do bear their truth profound : Each flower hath its lesson, like to thee For God hangs flowers like texts about the earth, "Good-will and peace" thou bringest, or thy bloom, And many a grief-dried eye, at sight of thee Shall turn and weep o'er some sweet memory: F. C. |