l had surprised her in her
homespun garb. Annie noticed the change soon as they were seated at the
table, and, though Aunt Patty thought she needn't, remarked upon it at
once.

"When did you find time to make that fine toilet, aunty?" she asked in a
roguish tone.

But Aunt Patty turned the point well. "Why, dear, seeing you were so
particular in your letter that I should spruce up to receive you and
your husband, I thought I could do no less than respect your wishes."

"Ha! ha!" laughed Sheldon; "you are well answered for your pleasantry,
Annie."

Thus they discussed their simple meal with mirth and good-humor. Aunt
Patty's batter cakes seemed to have received an extra fine touch, and
the cream and butter were such as a king might relish, Sheldon declared.

When the meal was over they sat down on the stile, Aunt Patty, at
Annie's request, drawing her chair close beside them. Then they talked,
and told her how much they anticipated living in the great mansion so
near to Parson Grey; and they would come every week to see her; and a
hundred other fine plans Annie formed, laying her head all the while on
her husband's arm, as he twined wild flowers among her dark curls, and
laughed at her lively sallies. Aunt Patty declared 'twas a sight angels
might envy, their love and happiness.

The moon rose high above the tall forest trees, casting a mild, holy
radiance over the scene. And thus we leave them;--and thus we
say--"Good-night to Scraggiewood!"

ALICE ORVILLE;

OR,

LIFE IN THE SOUTH AND WEST.

CHAPTER I.

"Adown the lovely waters,
Behold the vessel glide,
While beauty's fairest daughters
Gaze on the laughing tide."

"She sought no notice, therefore gained it all,
As thus she stood apart from all the throng
Of heartless ones that passed before her eyes."

The Mississippi--river of majestic beauties--with the green, delightful
shores, elegant plantations, and dense forests of tall cotton-wood and
dark, funereal cypress, overhung with the parasitical moss, gliding
panorama-like before the enraptured vision! How proudly the mighty
steam-boats cut the turbid water, bearing the wealth and merchandise of
those productive lands to the numerous towns and cities that adorn the
banks of