'The old house will brighten up now,' he said, as he looked towards it, 'and there will be a merry fireside beneath its ivied roof.

It is some comfort to know that everything will not be blighted hereabouts.

I shall be glad to have one picture of life and cheerfulness to turn to, in my mind!' He resumed his walk, and bent his steps towards the Warren.

It was a clear, calm, silent evening, with hardly a breath of wind to stir the leaves, or any sound to break the stillness of the time, but drowsy sheep-bells tinkling in the distance, and, at intervals, the far-off lowing of cattle, or bark of village dogs.

The sky was radiant with the softened glory of sunset; and on the earth, and in the air, a deep repose prevailed.