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ambition to excel, q desire to be thought the Centre of attraction-how natural in woman ! so much so, that it bursts forth in the sports of childhood.

 In loohing among those who were special tors like myself, discovered lady of great personal attractions, eyeing me as if she would pry into the very secrets of my soul She was not over twenty, her beauty was of the highest order, of that dazzling kind that will command admiration, and make one it's captive at a glance, noiens colens We may resolve against yielding, but it is in vain, for the spell of the charmer is upon us and al- though we may endeavor to extricate our selves, like the poor bird that has no power to fly away from the keen glance of the de- stroyer, yet it is in vain, there is no escape.

 Her eyes not only beamed intelligence, but spoke thousand soft graces her form was lightand sylph-like, and so symmetricalas not to shame the beautiful proportions of Venus de Medlcis; in word, she appeared to be a being to love and be beloved. It is needless to say how happy felt when her eye rested upon me, and as was ill love beyond the possibility of doubt, llattered my vanity by supposing that it was returned, or would be returned for how, thought l, could a country girl refuse polished townsman with for tune, and with graceful exterior, and occu- -pying high position in society. The thing would be utterly impossible; 1t could not happen. Thus it was reasoned, and with what correctness, will be seen in the sequel

 Always rash and impetuous, resolved to know my fate without any unnecessary delay, and while ruminating In my own mind how l should make her acquaintance, she smiled; could not be mistaken that smile was as the key To unlock the past. knew her i, she was when girl my favoritc--I was hers. A new volume was opened to my vi- sion, and i'll the fitness of ecstacy, was cer- tain that in a short period there would be d celebration in the village, of different kind from the one of that day, and in which l should be d sharer.

 The rustcity of manner, which she very likely has, said to myself, s' will soon give way to polish and elegance, and under my own eye, mean to make her what desire i, that is, pleasant associate to bcguile away my heavy hours ; and as we shall go to the metropolis, she shall be an ornament to her sex. The perceptive faculties predominate in women, and they can accommodate them- selves to any sphere of life in which they may be placed, with astonishing promptltude and ease , so perfectly, indeed, that no one could tell that they had ever been in any other.

 Yes, said l, she shall be the ornament of the metropolis, and the ornament of my house.

 The sports of the day ended-we met with warmth and cordiality, for the fidelity of her recollection was better than mine. We met, and mutual expressions of gladness fell from the lips of boih. She asked me to visit the cottage of her father. [. On this hint spake," requested sthe pleasure of conducting her home, which was readily granted All these things regarded as favorable omens, and why not declare my sentiments then, the op- portunity was favorable, and how could be unsuccessful :

 Passing through a grove filled with wild flowers, she paused, and gathered such as suited her fancy. could wait no longer; l seized her hand and pressed 1t, told her that my all of happiness in this life was in her keeping-that her beauty, her charms, her lovcliness, had made the deepest impression upon my heart-that that heart was wholly hers, and that had nothing to live for, bnt to call her mine.

 A blush kiuded onher rosy checks, which looked to my distcmpered fancy like the blushof conliding love, and if ever there was a being who bore perfect similitude to ar angel, she at that moment was in my ima- gipation, that being. She languidly bent hel eyes on vacancy, and l thought was abou to witness starting tear-drops-the dear tear drops of eonfding love-

 Tine last gleams of the setting sun were glittering on the green hills-naure was si- lent and quiet, contrasting strongly with my situation. keenly felt the awful torture o suspense, and certainly could not have held out much longer But at last she found voice, and with the very first sentence wa: thunderstruck.

 eYou know John, don't you ;'' asked she.

 The charm was broken, my doom was fixed, and as sudden shock will oflen tran quillize the feelings, it had that effect upol me at this moment, and l thought it best t' put on as much nonchaiance as was maste of

 " say you know John, don't you ;" re beating the question.

 "There are so many Johns, l can't say do," replied l.

 "Then you don't know John : well, thought every body knew him." said m angel.

 No,o said l, 's I believe don't"

 < What, not know John Smith, the herds man, what plays on them bag-pipes, an what has lived here so long--well, ma may be hid under bushel like, that's a fact

 Well say I know him, what of Jon Smith, the herdsman and bag-pipe player what has he done :"

 "Oh! he has done nothing, sir, but he going to do something"

 $ And what is that, pray v asked l.

 < He's going to marry me on Friday, that all-I've got all the things ready, and so hs John.o

 T {. Indeed .'' said l.

 l "Oh yes; ma and pa and me and Jol

 fixed ii all, aforc you come--l can't bac 