A prettier scene of garden beauty and family repose could not be found in all England, than the scene which the view through the Rectory window now presents.

The household tranquillity, however, is not entirely uninterrupted.

Across the picture, of which Vance and the luncheon-table form the foreground, and the garden with Mrs.Joyce and the young ladies the middle-distance and background, there flits from time to time an unquiet figure.

This personage is always greeted by Leo, the Newfoundland dog, with an extra wag of the tail; and is apostrophized laughingly by the young ladies, under the appellation of "funny Mr.
Blyth." Valentine has in truth let nobody have any rest, either in the house or the garden, since the first thing in the morning.

The rector having some letters to write, has bolted himself into his study in despair, and defies his excitable friend from that stronghold, until the arrival of Mrs.Peckover with the deaf and dumb child has quieted the painter's fidgety impatience for the striking of twelve o'clock, and the presence of the visitors from the circus.