lovely rocks appear! Did ever grass look so green, or trees bud in more refreshing beauty, and did ever more delighted eyes gaze upon so sweet a scene? We soon hailed a pilot-boat, and took leave of our shipmates; Mr. R accompanied us on shore. As we got into the boat it began to rain heavily, but we called it a summer shower. We were quite wet before we got to the quay, yet never did a happier party trudge up to the Pope's Head Inn than we were, with our writing-desks, and little bags and bundles in our arms. Even the Customhouse officers received us kindly, and our trunks were very slightly inspected.

"Mr. R- dined with us; how we did enjoy the fried soles, veal cutlets, tarts, and Devonshire cream! We ate so heartily, and praised everything so extravagantly, that the landlord and waiters were quite amused. Papa was obliged to make an apology for us, by explaining that we had not dined for twelve days. The tender-hearted landlord was horror-struck-he flew out of the room, and returned with a most delicatelooking roast pig, which he placed before us.

We were not so lost to all propriety as to eat roast pig after Devonshire cream, but we were eloquent in our thanks. Sweet little pig! with what transport would you have been greeted, had you but made your appearance the day before. We must now prepare for the comfort and delight of a good bed. We shall never know how to sleep, it will be something so new and strange."

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Exeter, Saturday evening, April 14. "This morning, at eight o'clock, we left Plymouth. Papa took the whole mail for ourselves, but the day was so lovely, the country so enchanting, and our spirits so light, we could not rest inside. Mary and I insisted on getting out with papa into the seat behind, and never did we feel so elated in our own carriage, as we did on this day's journey. We should have been proud to have bowed to the highest of our acquaintances. We saw no one we had ever seen before, but the banks were covered with primroses and violets, and every flower seemed a friend--even the flowers in France, we thought, had not quite an innocent look,

and all the beauty we saw there is not to be compared to this single county of Devonshire. The beautiful variety of ground, the wooded heights, and luxuriant plains; the smiling cottages, and the healthy, happy people-all, all was ecstasy to us as we passed along. Then the first English soldiers we met how brave they looked! their's are the hearts, true to their king and their country, and their courage is inspired by the justice of the cause for which they fight,— we looked on them with pride and confidence: of late we had only seen all we most dreaded in a scarlet-coat. But how much was the happiness of this happy day heightened by the prospect of soon seeing again all most dear to us—for what can be more delightful than the sun shining brightly on trees and flowers, and the remembrance of absent objects of affection, with the hope of speedily being present with them again. If any wish to enjoy perfect happiness, let them travel through France as we have done; and let them return, amidst friends and flowers, to their own dear peaceful and happy home!"

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CHAPTER XXV.

ON the arrival of the travellers in London, they were received with the greatest joy by Mrs. Douglas: no intelligence of them had reached her since the landing of Bonaparte, and her anxiety had been very great. Mrs. Douglas had of late years become a much improved character; the world and its empty joys had lost much of their former influence over her; frequent association and constant correspondence with her sister had gradually led her mind to higher pursuits. In affection to her nieces she never had been deficient, and she now listened to their animated details of all they had enjoyed, and all they had suffered, with feelings of the deepest interest. Mr. Maitland was treated by her as formerly,

with the most attentive kindness; but he, fearful of giving trouble, was anxious to have removed to an hotel, his medical attendants having pronounced his eyes to be in a state for an immediate operation; but to this removal she would not listen for a moment, and the most commodious and airy apartment in the house was immediately appropriated to his use.

It was now the evening before the appointed day, and Mr. Maitland was distressed to feel with what deep and trembling anxiety both the girls awaited the event of the morrow. He talked to them a great deal during the evening of his own feelings on the subject, with a view of inspiring them with that dependence on, and resignation to, the will of God, which he himself so strongly felt.

"I have no fears, dear girls," he said, "as to the issue of this experiment; I may almost say I have no wishes. I leave it all with Him who has been to me a God of infinite love. I do not say I shall not rejoice in the blessing of restored sight; it will be His gift, and will be received by me with the deepest feelings of grateful praise. It will be sweet to me to see again the glories of the summer sky, to