THE VICARAGE. 311 



laburnums, and seringas, now in full blossom. 

 Happy Parsonage ! what lover of rural simplicity 

 and rural happiness, would exchange your little 

 lawn, your smiling flowers and meandering walks, 

 for the luxury of a metropolis, or the grandeur of 

 a palace ? Here was the abode of happiness and 

 peace, secure from harm by the love and affection of 

 the simple-minded cottagers which surrounded it. 

 Captain Neville's arrival was hailed with un- 

 feigned pleasure. His very occupation amid the 

 din of war and bloodshed, had the better enabled 

 him to appreciate the charms and the simplicity of 

 life at the Vicarage. His duty called him far 

 away, but he sighed for repose, and would wil- 

 lingly have exchanged his bright military prospects 

 for the seclusion of the place in which he was now 

 a guest. His admiration of Lucy encreased every 

 hour, for it was in her native village that she was 

 seen to the greatest advantage. He walked, played 

 at chess (a dangerous game,) and sang with her. 

 If they entered a cottage together, Lucy was re- 

 ceived with unfeigned delight, for all her poorer 

 neighbours loved her : u Do'ye, Miss, sit down 

 do'ye, Miss, let me gather you some flowers, 5 * 

 or some other trifling offer was made with hearty 

 good will. The old parish clerk talked with 

 pleasure of having officiated at her christening, 

 and her ancient nurse welcomed her with the 

 affection of a mother. It was now generally known 



