f countenance,
with the same smile, only in a more mature and masculine form.

After an hour spent in social conversation, he said some music would be
very welcome to him, it was so long since he had enjoyed that pleasure
in their own home. Laura immediately went to the piano, and sang two or
three songs which she knew to be favourites of his. Willie invited me to
play, but I begged him to excuse me for the time being, as he had three
sisters present, who all played more or less.

After his sisters had each in their turn favored him with some music, he
rose, and taking the vacant seat at the piano, asked if we would not
like to hear an English song. His sisters laughed heartily, thinking him
to be only in jest; but their amusement changed to wonder and admiration
when, after running his fingers lightly over the keys, he began playing
a soft and melodious prelude. It seemed that when a boy of fifteen, he
had as a sort of amusement learned the rudiments of music, but he had
not begun with any settled purpose of making progress in the study, and
had soon become tired of it. What then was their surprise to hear him
sing with much taste and skill, to a beautiful accompaniment, a song he
had learned in England.

He explained, that while in England, a class-mate of his, who was an
excellent musician, had given him lessons; and that after a time he had
become very fond of it, and had practised much during his leisure hours.

It was easy to see that Willie was almost idolized by all the family.
During the evening Mrs. Leighton could scarcely take her eyes from the
face of her son, and they all eagerly listened to his every word: and
any one who saw the noble-looking young man, could not wonder at their
affection for him. When he rose from the piano, Birdie and Lewis begged
for one more song, but Mrs. Leighton reminded them that it was late, and
that their brother must be fatigued. And soon after prayers, the happy
family separated for the night.

CHAPTER VI.

AN EVENING PARTY.

Previous to the return home of Laura and Willie, the Leightons had seen
but little company for a family of their wealth and social position; but
now, instead of the heretofore quiet evenings, their superb parlors were
thronged with acquaintances and friends, for both Willie and Laura had
been favourites with both young and old.

Laura had intended giving a large party, but had deferred it till Willie
should return home; and soon after his