to an invitation to call at his house. With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes which, however, was unperceived by his friend, he informed him that he had two very rare specimens of the rose and lily, he would be very happy to introduce to him. Impatient of delay, in the anticipation of such rich treasuries, the bachelor friend could wait no longer, and called that evening, just after Lilly was taken up stairs to her mother. After the usual salutations, Ernest hastened after them, fearing it might be too late for Lilly—to appear in her most interesting manner, as it was getting late and she might be sleepy. On the contrary, ho thought she never looked so pretty before. The excitement had imparted a delicate flush to her cheeks, and her eyes, which resembled his in expression, were sparkling with happiness running over. Taking her in one arm and giving his wife the other, he took them to the parlor and after introducing them, said, "These are my Rose and Lilly, and in granting your desire to inform you where you may be able to obtain more of the same species, I have only to say that profiting by my experience, you must select your rose from the purest love, and you will never feel its thorn, and fairer than any hot-house plant will bloom the lily of your household." The bachelor friend was rather abashed, but enjoyed the joke. Whether this little incident awakened emotions that had long been slumbering, or Milly's pleasant face and unassuming ways alone attracted him, it was evident by his frequent calls before leaving the city and inquiries after her when not present, that he felt an unusual interest in
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