uttering a single word to his crafty neighbor, at once proceeded 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 old sinner. house that they feared no disturbance at that early hour. "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: For 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. 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. 66 Daniel carried his honey to the house, and then glided down toward the swamp. Winter- Another volley of curses was all the response blossom's eyes were upon him. Approaching old Hugh made. Bentley's countenance fell. a big, sound hemlock, upward of six feet in "Now this 'll be known all over the neighbordiameter, which stood on the land of a neigh-hood before night," muttered the chagrined Jubor, the farmer pulled out his jack-knife and lius, who wished from the bottom of his heart he cut his initials on the trunk. Turning to re- never had seen old Winterblossom. trace 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: "Few more blows will fetch her, Julius; but it's been an all-night job with us, my boy;" and Winterblossom pulled out his old watch and scanned it by the advancing daylight. "Why, it's half past five-we've been at work over eight hours." "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." "The dog! I'll discharge him at once." Winterblossom turned to appeal to his young companion for counsel, but he had suddenly disappeared. Bentley evidently thought his presence would prove any thing but agreeable to his now troubled host and hostess, and wise- rather, for I've told it so many times myself ly 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. 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 loving, faithful girl like Janette than all the wealth of old Winterblossom. It was rumored that the conscientious Janette so far repented as to write her uncle, begging his forgiveness; but the old fellow was inexorable, declaring she never should enter his house again, nor receive a penny of his property. 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." "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." "Oh, Sir, I assure you it has been no annoyance whatever to listen to this story-a treat, that the version of another improves it decidedly-to my ears at least. I did feel a little uncomfortable 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 heartily give him my kindest congratulations. Besides, I have learned to despise old Hugh Winterblossom 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, "that you may not take to yourself the credit of touching off all the fire-works to-night, I will add that I, perhaps, have given Mr. Winterblossom a worse snubbing than he ever received from any one else. Soon after I married his niece she indeed did feel a little consciencestricken because she had left him so abruptly. 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 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.' "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 would have been gratefully received once; but we do not wish it now.' ་ ། "So the furniture was at once returned to | brary while the lawyer was so lost in his story, the dealers; and without any show of ill-nature and humorously dwelling upon the difficulty (old Hugh has been snubbed so many times his she had to refrain from laughing outright at his pachydermatous sensibilities are proof against unconscious allusions to herself. all ordinary manifestations of spite) the old couple bade us good-by the next day. We ex-ers proceeded on our respective journeys; but pect another visit from them next summer." We had a mirthful time at the breakfast-table 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 The roads were now broken, and we travel I never shall forget that snow-storm, nor the remarkable circumstances which brought together, after a lapse of years, persons once so singularly 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, Vyvyan's first lieutenant and friend. 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.......Meanwhile, all the damages of the Armada were repaired, and the Spaniards, with fresh hopes, set out again to sea."-Hume. АСТ І. SOENE 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, Sir G. I cannot dig! Fie, what a helpless thing Enter WRECKLYFFE. 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. Winter creeps on him, Sir G. No spendthrift hospitable fool spreads here Pass on. Have years so dimmed Ha! Thy hand. 'Brings me?' say 'hurls back.' Eyes once so keen, De Malpas ? Wreck. First, yellow pestilence, whose ghastly wings And lastly, storm (rough welcome home to England) One wreck rots stranded ;-you behold the other. VOL. XXXVIII.-No. 223.-9 Hard. He comes. Enter VYVYAN, Well, captain, What tidings of the Spaniards' armament? Vyv. Bad, for they say the fighting is put off, And storm in Biscay driven back the Dons. This is but rumour-we will learn the truth. Harding, take horse and bear these lines to DrakeIf yet our country needs stout hearts to guard her, He'll not forget the men on board the Dreadnought. Thou canst be back ere sunset with his answer, And find me in yon towers of Montreville. [Exit HARDING. Meanwhile make merry in the hostel, lads, And drink me out these ducats in this toast:"No foes be tall eno' to wade the moat Which girds the fort whose only walls are men." [Sailors cheer, and exeunt. Vyv. I never hailed reprieve from war till now. Heaven grant but time to see mine Eveline, And learn my birth from Alton. So soon returned? Thy smile seems fresh from home. All well there? Falk. Just in time to make all well. Vyv. And he forgave.-Now tell me of thy mother; I never knew one, but I love to mark The quiver of a strong man's bearded lip When his voice lingers on the name of mother. Falk. Yes, I (Falters and turns aside.) Her joy was weeping on my breast again! Eno' of me! Now for thyself. What news? Thy fair betrothed- Vyv. Faithful, I will swear it; But not yet found. Her sire is dead-the stranger Mine Eveline dwells. Falk. Thy foster father, Alton, Hast thou seen him? He must not see the priest-the hour is come SCENE 2. The gardens of the castle of Montreville, laid out in the formal style of the times. Parterres sunk deep in beds of arabesque design. enclosed within an embattled wall, which sinks, here and The gardens are there, into low ornamented parapets, over which the eye catches a glimpse of the sea, which is immediately below. A postern gate in the wall is open, through which descends a flight of steps, hewn out of the cliff. Enter LADY MONTREVILLE. Lady M. This were his birthday, were he living still! But the wide ocean is his winding sheet, And his grave-here! (Pressing her hand to her heart.) I dreamed of him last night! Peace! with the dead, died shame and glozing slander; Of blossoming hopes which flower beneath my love, Enter LORD BEAUFORT, speaking to MARSDEN. Mars. Your eyes do bless him, madam, so do mine: Save by the torch of Hymen? To be gallant, Lady M. (gloomily.) Alas, is love. Is worn as loosely as I wear this plume A glancing feather stirred with every wind Into new shadows o'er a giddy brain Such as your son's. Let the plume play, sweet mother! Enter EVELINE, weaving flowers-not seeing LADY MON |