as for choosing a wife, why, were
I toothless, one-eyed, or deaf as a post, the magic of gold would
transform me into an Adonis!"

Now stopping before a full-length mirror, he appears to console
himself for such suppositions, by very complacently regarding his
truly elegant figure and classic countenance.

A tap at the door, and an arch face, already shaded by the night-coif,
peeps in.

"What, not yet gone to bed, brother--why what are you studying, to be
up so late?"

"Studying human nature, Helen--a book with great pretensions to
excellence, but--"

"Hush, hush, Frank! not a word more," exclaimed Helen, placing her
little hand over his mouth, "not a word more--you read with defective
vision! I proclaim the book of human nature to be charming, every page
teeming with interest, every line traced by the hand divine, a lesson
for a lifetime. Ah! Frank, remove the film of distrust from your eyes,
and read this book as it ought to be read, therein you will find
truth, goodness, and beauty!"

"Would I could think as you do, Helen. I tell you candidly, I am sick
of the world as I find it, and would gladly give all my wealth and
expectations to be sure there was one heart that truly loved me--loved
me for myself alone."

"A very pretty theory, indeed! Well, you must get married, Frank; I
see no other way to cure you--then you will have a dear little book of
your own to study--a choice edition of human nature, traced by the
feather of Cupid."

"Ah! the very thing I was thinking of; but tell me, Helen, where can
I find that same beautiful work?"

"Where you please, brother--there is no danger that you can sue in
vain; there is sweet Anna De Kay, roguish little Laura C----, the
pensive Sarah--"

"O! don't mention them--pray don't name any more of these city
belles!"

"Well, Frank, human nature is most lovely in the simplicity of country
life--you must seek some village maid to grace the name of Leland."

"Helen," says Frank, taking her hand, and looking into the large blue
eyes sparkling so mirthfully, "Helen, I tell you if I could find an
amiable girl, brought up in all the beautiful simplicity of the
country, no matter how unskillful in the world's ways--one who,
ignorant of my wealth and standing, would unite her fate to mine for
better or for worse--then, Helen, I could fall at her feet, and
worship her as the star of my life and love."

"Pray, remember, my sentimental brother, ere you squeeze my hand so
d