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A NEW-ENGLAND TALE.
49

said she, as the carriage passed over a hill that rose above the valley, and was a crown of beauty to it; "look, how gracefully and modestly that beautiful stream winds along under the broad shadows of those trees and clustering vines, as if it sought to hide the beauty that sparkles so brightly whenever a beam of light touches it. Oh! my Rebecca," said she, turning fondly to her child, "I could wish thy path led along these still waters, far from the stormy waves of the rude world—far from its 'vanities and vexation of spirit.'"

"If that is thy wish, my love," said her husband, looking earnestly at her, "it shall be a law to me."

Mrs. Lloyd's tranquillity had been swept away for a moment, by the rush of thought that was produced by casting her mind forward to the destiny of her child; but it was only for a moment. Her's was the trust of a mind long and thoroughly disciplined by Christian principles. Her face resumed its wonted repose, as she said, "Dear Robert, I have no wish but to leave all to thy discretion, under the guidance of the Lord."

It cannot be deemed strange that Mr. Lloyd should have felt a particular interest in scenes for which his wife had expressed such a partiality. He looked upon them with much the same feeling that the sight of a person awakens who has been loved by a departed friend. They seemed to have a sympathy for him; and he lingered at ——— without forming any plan for the future, till he was roused from his inactivity by hearing the sale