uttering a single word to his crafty neighbor, at once procceded to head off the advancing element. This accomplished, he hastened to the house and soon returned with an axe and two pails. Felling the tree, he very leisurely gathered up the honey. Old Hugh approached and looked on with envious eyes while his neighbor skirmished with the bees.

"It will be a dear job, too, if Wilson should prosecute us for felling this fine tree," was Bentley's reply.

"Prosecute us! Why, ain't old Thornton's name on it? and won't that be the strongest kind of evidence ag'inst him?"

Chip! chip! chip! went the axes again, and in a few minutes the tree fell with a fearful "Quite a haul, friend Thornton," said the crash. But the choppers were so far from any house that they feared no disturbance at that early hour.

old sinner.

"Yes," Daniel returned, in a sarcastic tone; "but I shouldn't have been so much in a hurry about gathering it if I'd had honest neighbors. Bees will work for two weeks yet."

"If my fire had got into that tree 'twould 'a made quick work with your honey ;" and the old fellow tried to look very funny.

"Now for the honey!" said Winterblossom, in a triumphant tone, walking up the prostrate trunk to look for the supposed hollow that should contain the sweet compound.

A fifteen-minutes' closest scrutiny of all parts of the trunk and boughs proved the tree to be

Daniel had to bite his lips to keep from boil-perfectly sound, affording not the slightest reing over; but having already decided upon a plan for revenge, he resolved to have no altercation with the unreasonable man. So, after a pause, he said:

treat for bees. It was then that Daniel realized the truth of the old adage, "Listeners hear no good of themselves," for curses both loud and deep fell upon his head alike from the lips of old Hugh and his victimized companion. For full five minutes they stormed away, until the surrounding trees seemed to bow their heads in horror. Then picking up their axes and the vessels designed to contain the honey, these amateur bee-hunters walked quickly away, for the east was already streaked with coming sunlight.

"Shall I help you carry your honey, Mr. Winterblossom?" asked Daniel, in a tone of the bitterest sarcasm, crossing their path and retreating toward his house.

Another volley of curses was all the response old Hugh made. Bentley's countenance fell. "Now this 'll be known all over the neighbor

Daniel carried his honey to the house, and then glided down toward the swamp. Winterblossom's eyes were upon him. Approaching a big, sound hemlock, upward of six feet in diameter, which stood on the land of a neigh-hood before night," muttered the chagrined Jubor, the farmer pulled out his jack-knife and cut his initials on the trunk. Turning to retrace his steps, he caught a glimpse of Hugh dodging into a thicket. This was just what Daniel wanted. He was now satisfied that his tormentor would bite the bait set for him.

The next morning Daniel arose at five o'clock, and sat down to study on some machinery he was contriving, when he heard the sound of an axe on the still air of dawn. Listening, he heard it again and again. The sound came from the direction of the big hemlock. Giving utterance to a loud laugh, he seized his hat and hastened toward the spot. Crawling up as near as he could without being observed, he concealed himself behind the trunk of a tree, and recognized old Winterblossom and Julius Bentley, stripped to their shirts and pants, chopping away on the big hemlock as if for dear life. It was as much as Daniel could do to keep from laughing outright. They paused in their work, and our listening friend heard the following:

lius, who wished from the bottom of his heart he never had seen old Winterblossom.

"Let him tell it! There are two of us, and our words 'll go as fur in court or community as his'n, I guess. Let him tell it if he dare!"

As Winterblossom neared his mansion his sleepy eyes fell upon the figure of his spouse, standing upon the door-step with disheveled locks and troubled air. Evidently she was very much excited.

"Where've you been all night, you old fool? A pretty husband you are to steal off in this way!" she vehemently exclaimed, as soon as the old man came within hearing. "That poor Hoptown good-for-nothing has been here, and Janette's gone off with him to be married, I 'spect-and not a soul here to hender."

"Thunder and Mars!" vociferated Winterblossom, dropping axe and pail. "Where's John?"

"He wouldn't do a thing. Might have locked the sneaking scamp into the barn; but he said 'twas none of his affairs."

"Few more blows will fetch her, Julius; but it's been an all-night job with us, my boy;" "The dog! I'll discharge him at once." and Winterblossom pulled out his old watch Winterblossom turned to appeal to his young and scanned it by the advancing daylight, companion for counsel, but he had suddenly "Why, it's half past five-we've been at work disappeared. Bentley evidently thought his over eight hours." | presence would prove any thing but agreeable

to his now troubled host and hostess, and wisely took himself away.

The honey affair, in connection with the elopement of Janette, soon leaked out, and before the lapse of a week the story was current all over town. Every body-from selectman down to the veriest ragged urchin-was rallying Winterblossom on the superiority of hemlock honey. Every body, also, was glad that his niece had run away, thereby defeating his plans; for her home with him had been any thing but a pleasant one.

Be

rather for I've told it so many times myself
that the version of another improves it decided-
ly-to my ears at least. I did feel a little un-
comfortable when I recognized in our host (as
I did as soon as the lights were brought in) my
whilom and successful rival; but I now hearti-
ly give him my kindest congratulations.
sides, I have learned to despise old Hugh Win-
terblossom as deeply as any of his neighbors.
I hope neither of you will think my feelings
have been, in the least degree, assailed by any
thing said to-night;" and Benton arose and
warmly grasped first the hand of Wilkinson and
then that of the lawyer.

"And, friend Gates," interposed our host,

I never learned the name of the young man with whom she cloped; but he was reported to have been in every way worthy of her. Although poor, he was a greater fortune to a lov-" that you may not take to yourself the credit ing, faithful girl like Janette than all the wealth of touching off all the fire-works to-night, I will of old Winterblossom. It was rumored that add that I, perhaps, have given Mr. Winterthe conscientious Janette so far repented as to blossom a worse snubbing than he ever received write her uncle, begging his forgiveness; but from any one else. Soon after I married his the old fellow was inexorable, declaring she niece she indeed did feel a little consciencenever should enter his house again, nor receive stricken because she had left him so abruptly. a penny of his property. Mind, she didn't care an iota for his gold, but she wanted to be reconciled to her uncle and aunt, because she was indebted to them for her education. So Janette, prompted by a sentiment of gratitude alone, wrote her uncle a letter; but it was quickly returned, simply indorsed with a few words of the bitterest comment. We then removed to this vicinity; fortune favored us, and now we have a competency. "After a lapse of some eighteen or twenty years Mr. and Mrs. Winterblossom happened to hear how prosperous we had been-in fact, it was last summer, and we then were living in a smaller house near town. They came with honeyed words and made us a long visit. Of course we both treated them with the same hospitality and kindness that we should had nothing unpleasant ever occurred. Not a word was said in allusion to the past.

The host, who throughout this recital had listened apparently with no deeper interest than myself, laughing immoderately now and then at the misfortunes of the hero, here jumped up and commenced pacing the room, while he gave way to frequent outbursts of humor that must have seriously threatened his sides and buttons. At length, fixing his twinkling eyes upon Gates, he, between half-suppressed cachinnations, said: "The principal part of your narrative-especially the fun-is all new to me, although I previously had an inkling of the old man's character; but you will admit that I know more of the niece than yourself when I tell you I am the 'Hoptown good-for-nothing' who married her !” "Heavens!" exclaimed the lawyer, coloring. "I beg your pardon, Sir—indeed I do. Why didn't you tell me I was assailing your own history, and perhaps doing violence to the feelings of your wife ?"

"No apology, Sir-no apology whatever," Wilkinson replied, with another ringing laugh that put Gates entirely at his ease. "I never allow a good story to be spoiled for relations' sake; besides, I dare say, under the circumstances, I have enjoyed it even better than your fellow-travelers."

"Yes," interposed Benton, rising and squarely facing the lawyer the first time for the last half hour, while his countenance gave evidence of long-suppressed mirth; "you probably will be satisfied on that score when I tell you I am Julius Bentley! That is the name I gave when asked; but our host evidently misunderstood me, and thinking it immaterial, I did not correct him."

"The day before they were to leave us a town cart drove up to our gate with a complete outfit for a parlor and two bedchambers.

"What does this mean?' I asked, as the teamer began to unload the goods and deposit them according to the directions of Winterblossom.

"Oh, this is a present from us to your wife,' was the old man's reply, in a very obsequious tone. 'We didn't, 'cording to custom, make her any present when she was married, and we've decided to do it now- -"better late 'n never," you know.'

666

66

"Not in this case, Mr. Winterblossom,' I responded, decidedly-my wife was standing in the door beside me, looking fully as indignant as I felt. We can not accept those articles. I know our furniture is worn, but we can readily replace it whenever we choose. You are welcome to stay under our roof as long as you please, and you both shall be well treated; but not one cent's worth of any thing can you leave here. A gift of one-quarter the value of this "Oh, Sir, I assure you it has been no annoy- would have been gratefully received once; but ance whatever to listen to this story-a treat, we do not wish it now.'

"Worse and worse!" said Gates, with a look of mock despair. "I never shall dare to tell another story until I learn the antecedents of my auditors."

"So the furniture was at once returned to | brary while the lawyer was so lost in his story, and humorously dwelling upon the difficulty she had to refrain from laughing outright at his unconscious allusions to herself.

the dealers; and without any show of ill-nature (old Hugh has been snubbed so many times his pachydermatous sensibilities are proof against all ordinary manifestations of spite) the old couple bade us good-by the next day. We expect another visit from them next summer."

The roads were now broken, and we travelers proceeded on our respective journeys; but I never shall forget that snow-storm, nor the remarkable circumstances which brought togeth

We had a mirthful time at the breakfast-ta-er, after a lapse of years, persons once so sinble the next morning, in which Mrs. Wilkinson took as cheerful a part as any of us, referring, with much good-nature, to her visit to the li

gularly related, to hear from the lips of a stranger a story concerning their own experiences.

The while thou slittest, plow-like, through the air- I know right well thy song was shaped for thee

That lights the morning meadows with hearts'-ease, The careful kindness of His gracious ways

THE RIGHTFUL HEIR.

En Five Acts.

BY EDWARD BULWER, LORD LYTTON.

DRAMATIS PERSONE.

LORD BEAUFORT, Son to Lady Montreville.

SIR GREY DE MALPAS, the poor cousin, distantly connected to Lady Montreville, but next in succession to the earldom, on failure of the direct line.

WRECKLYFFE, a disinherited and ruined gentleman-who, after a vicious and lawless career on land, has turned pirate.

SIR GODFREY SEYMOUR, a justice of the peace.

VYVYAN, the captain of the Dreadnought, a privateer.

FALKNER, Vyvan's first lieutenant and friend.
HARDING, Vyvyan's second lieutenant.
MARSDEN, seneschal to Lady Montreville.
ALTON, a village priest.

A SUB-OFFICER on board the Dreadnought.

Servants, Sailors, Clerk, and Halberdiers attendant on Sir Godfrey.

LADY MONTREVILLE, a countess in her own right.

EVELINE, her ward-distantly related to her, and betrothed to Vyvyan.

NOTE-"The Spanish Armada was ready in the beginning of May, but the moment it was preparing to sail, the Marquis of Santa Croce, the Admiral, was seized with a fever, of which he soon after died... At last the Spanish fleet, full of hope and alacrity, set sail from Lisbon May 29th, but next day met with a violent tempest, which scattered the ships-sunk some of the smallest, and forced the rest to take shelter in the Groyne, where they waited till they could be re-fitted. When news of this event was carried to England, the Queen concluded that the design of an invasion was disappointed for the summer, and, being always ready to lay hold on every pretence for saving money, she made Walsingham write to the Admiral, directing him to lay up some of the larger ships, and to discharge the seamen. But Lord Effingham, who was not so sanguine in his hopes, used the freedom to disobey these orders, and he begged leave to retain all the ships in service, though it should be at his own expense....... Armada were repaired, and the Spaniards, with fresh hopes, set out again to sea."-Hume. .Meanwhile, all the damages of the

ACT I.

SCENE 1. In the foreground the house of SIR GREY DE MALPAS, small and decayed, the casements broken, &c. Ruins around, as if the present house were but the remains of some more stately edifice of great antiquity. In the background, a view of the sea. On a height at some little distance, the castle of Montreville, the sun full upon its turrets and gilded vanes.

N.B. The scene to be so contrived that the grandeur of the castle and the meanness of the ruin be brought into conspicuous contrast.

SIR GREY at work on a patch of neglected garden ground,
throws down his spade and advances.

Sir G. I cannot dig! Fie, what a helpless thing
Is the white hand of well-born poverty!
And yet between this squalor and that pomp
Stand but two lives, a woman's and a boy's--
But two frail lives. I may outlive them both.

Enter WRECKLYFFE.

Time has dealt hardly with us both, since first
We two made friendship-thou straight-limbed, well-
favoured,

Stern-hearted, disinherited dare-devil!
Wreck. And thou?.

Sir G. A stroke paints me. My lord's poor cousin. How strong thou wert, yet I could twist and wind thee

Round these slight hands;-that is the use of brains!
Wreck. Still jokes and stings?
Sir G.
Still a poor cousin's weapons.
Wreck. Boast brains, yet starve?
Sir G.
Pardon my brains, since oft thy boasts they pardoned;
Still a poor cousin's fate, sir.
(Sad change since then), when rufflers aped thy
swagger,

And village maidens sighed and, wondering, asked
Why heaven made men so wicked-and so comely.
Wreck. 'Sdeath! Wilt thou cease?
Sir G.
Bespeaks grim service.
Wreck.

That scar upon thy front

In thy cause, de Malpas;

Wreck. Ay, that's the house-the same; the master The boy, whom at thine instance I allured changed,

But less than I am.

Lightning hath stricken me. Good day.

Sir G.

Winter creeps on him,

Pass on.

Have years so dimmed

Ha! Thy hand.

No spendthrift hospitable fool spreads here
The board for strangers. Pass.
Wreck.

Eyes once so keen, De Malpas?
Sir G. (after a pause.)
What brings thee hither?

Wreck.

'Brings me?' say 'hurls back.'

First, yellow pestilence, whose ghastly wings
Guard, like the fabled griffin, India's gold;
Unequal battle next; then wolfish famine;

And lastly, storm (rough welcome home to England)
Swept decks from stern to stem: to shore was flung

A lonely pirate on a battered hulk!

One wreck rots stranded :-you behold the other.
Sir G. Penury hath still its crust and roof-tree-
share them.

VOL. XXXVIII.-No. 223.-9

On board my bark, left me this brand of Cain.
Sir G. That boy-

Wreck.
Is now a man-and on these shores.
This morn I peered from yonder rocks that hid me,
And saw his face. I whetted then this steel:
Need'st thou his death? In me behold Revenge!
Sir G. He lives!-he lives! There is a third between
The beggar and the earldom!
Wreck.

When shall we meet alone?
Sir G. He with the plume?
Wreck.

Sir G.

Wreck.

Steps and voices! Hush, it is he!

Ay.

Quick; within.
And thou?

Sir G. I dig the earth; see the grave-digger's tool.
[Exit WRECKLYFFE within the house.

Enter HARDING and Sailors.

Hard. Surely 'twas here the captain bade us meet

him

SCENE 2. The gardens of the castle of Montreville, laid
out in the formal style of the times. Parterres sunk
The gardens are
deep in beds of arabesque design.
enclosed within an embattled wall, which sinks, here and
there, into low ornamented parapets, over which the

Save by the torch of Hymen? To be gallant,
Melt speech in sighs, or murder sense in sonnets;
Veer with each change in Fancy's April skies,
And o'er each sun-shower fling its fleeting rainbow.
All this-

Lady M. (gloomily.) Alas, is love.
Lord B.
No! Love's light prologue,
The sportive opening to the serious drama;
The pastime practice of Dan Cupid's bow,
Against that solemn venture at the butts
At which fools make so many random shafts,
And rarely hit the white! Nay, smile, my mother;
How does this plume become me?
Lady M.