^VER A WINTER FIRE. 273 



Or to rh^i^e the figure, this season, so un- 

 certain and variable, now smiling and gentle, 

 now harsh and forbidding, reminds one of coy, 

 cold beauty about to yield to love's suit in spite 

 of herself. She tries, but cannot maintain he 

 frowns, for love softens her heart like the subtlf 

 south wind relaxing the frozen earth. Thougb 

 her moods are ab' r,pt and trying in their change? 

 they are follower! by remorseful tears, just as rail, 

 one day seeks to banish the frost and snow of' 

 the preceding. Her temper is often high and 

 uncertain, her words a little sharp and blustering, 

 like March winds; but wait patiently till all has 

 blown over, and see how softly and sweetly she 

 will smile on you. But don't presume ; don't 

 felicitate yourself too highly; there will proba- 

 bly be a change. Patient wooing and wait- 

 ing shall be well rewarded by the tearful peni- 

 tence and sunny smiles of April, and wanner 



affection of May and June. 

 18 



