ig8 ARDENMOHR. 



such easy, yet reverential freedom as we now 

 enjoyed ; or, again, thinking of how little in common 

 have the literary displays or Watteau-like garden 

 scenes of the Continent with our freer inter- 

 course. 



"Pooh!" says some sensible youth; "what a 

 palaver is this, about having a cigar out of doors with 

 the girls ; can't see what it is all about." "Well, 

 don't you try, young Solomon it is not given to 

 every one to see a problem or solve a joke (do not 

 reverse the terms); and believe me, my young 

 friend, that if snipe shooting be a special faculty, 

 so is logical acumen, and so, also, is the mental 

 chemistry required in distilling the ethereal spirit 

 of the gloamin. 



Mrs. Peyton was comfortably placed in an arm- 

 .chair, with a large shawl over her head and 

 shoulders, the others grouped around reclining on 

 plaids, &c., spread on the turf. 



As usual in these outdoor parties, there was 

 much merriment ; but gradually, as the light de- 

 creased, quietness succeeded; at last, silence in all 

 but the rippling sound of the brook. 



" Dear me ! how contemplative we are becoming," 

 remarked Miss Clive, after a pause of silence ; 



