Opening a Chestnut Burr

ghts and get what comfort and semblance of enjoyment he could out of the passing hours. Mr. Walton met him cordially-indeed with almost fatherly solicitude-and led him

it, the soul and the body, are ever at variance, she gave the impression at first glance that the body was getting the worst of the conflict. But in truth the faintest thoughts of strife

ss seemed her characteristics. She won attention, not because she sought it, nor on the ground of eccentricities, but because of her intense vitality. From her dark eyes a close observer might catch glimpses of a quick, active mind, an eager spirit, and-well, perhaps a passionate temper. Though chastened and subdued, she ever gave the impression of power to those who came to know her well. In certain ways, as they interpreted her, people acknowledged this force of c

the impression of something like beauty. But his taste, rendered critical by m

single perfect feature-not one that an artist would copy, except

n regard to women. All his intercourse with society had confirmed his cynicism. The most beautiful and brilliant in the drawing-rooms were seldom the best. He flattered them to their faces and sneered at them in his heart. Therefore his attentions were merely of a nature to excite their vanity, stimulated by much incense from other sources. He saw this plainly manifested trait, which he contributed to develop, and despised it. He also saw that many were as eager for a good match as ever the ador

ed men in general quite as sincerely. "Human nature is wre

ort to her father, no doubt. She is safe from her very plainness, though confident, of course, that she could resist temptation and be a saint under all circu

tion to their society for a time. But she was so supremely indifferent to him, and had so much to fill her thoughts and days, that his slight promise to prove an agreeable visitor caused but momentary annoyance. Yet the glimmer of a smile flitted across her face as she thought: "He may find himself slightly mistaken in me, after al

he had feared she would do. She acted as if she were accustomed to see such persons as himself at her father's breakfast-table every morning; a

ooked at him with curious eyes and growing disapprobation. There was nothing in him t

from Him; and even Gregory was compelled to admit that the brief rite did not appear like a careless signing of the cross

at had led to his friendship with Gregory's father, but at last the conversat

ay, Annie, you have not told me where you found Mr. Gregory, f

r eye. "At least I found a stranger by the cedar thicket, and he proved from a chestnut burr

prick of her last words; "on what grounds were

all evidence in your favor. City life no doubt has

are

d always lived in the city you could not have interpreted a chest

learn other thin

use audience that Paul was brought up at the foot of the hill Gamaliel. I almost wish he were right, for I s

Paul as the very chi

ught of Him who teaches through

thusiast for nature,"

a boy, the hills have not taught the majority

er wisdom than you think,

does it

ow how to enjoy life and add

peaking on other than general principles; but he said, a little moodily, as they rose from the

like, and do just what you find agreeable. We dine at two, and have an early supper on account of the children. There are one or two fair saddle hors

ittle boy. "Aunt Annie can

ry, with an amused look and a side glanc

oy; "she makes them love her, and

at her indiscreet little champion, but with heig

mocking gallantry, as he bowed himself out, "It