its large
orange-like pericarps, reminding one of the _flora_ of the tropics. The
Autumn was just beginning to paint the forest, and already some touches
from his glowing palette appeared among the leaves of the sassafras
laurel, the sumach (_rhus_), the persimmon (_diospyros_), the
nymph-named tupelo, and those other species of the American _sylva_ that
love to array themselves so gorgeously before parting with their
deciduous foliage. Yellow, orange, scarlet, crimson, with many an
intermediate tint, met the eye; and all these colours, flashing under
the brilliant beams of a noonday sun, produced an indescribable
_coup-d'oeil_. The scene resembled the gaudy picture-work of a theatre,
more than the sober reality of a natural landscape.

I stood for some minutes wrapt in admiration. The dream of love in
which I had been indulging became heightened in its effect; and I could
not help thinking that if Aurore were but present to enjoy that lovely
scene--to wander with me over that flowery glade--to sit by my side
under the shade of the magnolia laurel--then, indeed, would my happiness
be complete. Earth itself had no fairer scene than this. A very
love-bower it appeared!

Nor was it unoccupied by lovers; for two pretty doves--birds emblematic
of the tender passion--sat side by side upon the bough of a tulip-tree,
their bronzed throats swelling at intervals with soft amorous notes.

Oh, how I envied those little creatures! How I should have rejoiced in
a destiny like theirs! Thus mated and happy--amidst bright flowers and
sweet perfumes, loving the livelong day--loving through all their lives!

They deemed me an intruder, and rose on whirring wing at my approach.
Perchance they feared my glittering gun. They had not need. I had no
intention of harming them. Far was it from my heart to spoil their
perfect bliss.

But no--they feared me not--else their flight would have been more
distant. They only flitted to the next tree; and there again, seated
side by side, resumed their love-converse. Absorbed in mutual fondness,
they had already forgotten my presence!

I followed to watch these pretty creatures--the types of gentleness and
love. I flung me on the grass, and gazed upon thorn, tenderly kissing
and cooing. I envied their delight.

My nerves, that for days had been dancing with more than ordinary
excitement, were now experiencing the natural reaction, and I felt
weary. There was a drowsiness in the ai