evoutly, that I am not your artless country maid," exclaimed Helen,
laughing; then, after a moment's pause, she cries, gayly, "ah! I have
it, Frank; you must masquerade a little, that's all--win your bride
under false colors, as a sailor would say."

"Helen, you witch, you darling sister," says Frank, kissing her, "I
will do it--yes, to-morrow I will set forth, like Coelebs, in search of
a wife! Now you must help me farther with your lively imagination; you
must choose me a profession to masquerade under. I must, of course,
for the attainment of my object, sport the character of a poor
gentleman, struggling with honest poverty to gain a livelihood. Come,
what shall I be--school-master--singing-master--drawing-master--or--"

"O, the last, by all means!" interrupted Helen. "You will have such a
fine opportunity of developing the tastes of your fair scholars--ha!
ha! ha! Frank, methinks I already see thee helping some blushing
milk-maid, with her pail, or, perhaps, leaning against a rail-fence,
sketching her, as with bare feet and scanty skirt, she trips through
the morning dew to feed her feathery brood."

"Well, you may laugh as much as you please," replies Frank, nothing
daunted, "I am firm in my determination."

"And when, most romantic Coelebs, do you set forth?"

"To-morrow, or next day at furthest. We will talk this over again in
the morning, it is too late now--so good night, dear Helen, and
pleasant dreams!"

"Good night. Frank!" and gayly kissing her hand, Helen trips out of
the room.

Frank Leland laid his head upon his pillow within the walls of a large
brick mansion, where the hum of city life penetrated, even through the
thick plate-glass and rich window-hangings. But a miracle; no sooner
did soft sleep seal his eye-lids, than he found himself in Arcadian
scenes--shepherdesses tripped gracefully before him with their flocks;
beautiful maidens led him through flowery fields and shady groves;
and the little birds _up_ in the trees, and the little romantic fishes
_down_ in the brooks, all sang of love and happiness.

PART III.

Sit down with me under this spreading tree, and let us view the
charming scene which surrounds us. O, never mind the cows, this is
their pasture-ground; and see, mid-leg the brook yonder, just released
from plough, stands the patient ox. Ah! the ducks and geese seem to
dispute his right. Observe how they shake their wings, as if in
defiance, and dip their beautiful crests wit