After the first flush of joy at meeting with the desire of his eyes, Janies Duncanson became somewhat grave and thoughtful. He recollected that he was wholly dependent on his. aunt, and felt some misgivings regarding the reception she might give to the sweet girl he in tended to introduce to her as his affianced bride. He knew his aunt’s peculiarities of temper, and was also aware that she had been informed of his amour ; but he thought it possible to carry her acquies cence in his choice by a coup cle main, and with this view he ventured to introduce Miss Agnes Montgomery to her on the present occasion. He had hopes that the youth, beauty, and tenderness of Agnes would not only reconcile his aunt to the attatchment he had formed, but would interest her warmly in forwarding his views. How far he was mistaken, the sequel will show'. ‘ ‘ Is your aunt prepared to expect a visit from me 1 ” asked Miss Montgomery. “ £Tot exactly,” said her lover, “ but I have apprised her that I am to have a friend with me, and I think she will likely guess pretty well that you are my companion, for she has heard of our correspondence. ” A slight shade, not of displeasure or disappointment, but of hesitation, came over the young lady’s features when she heard this announcement. Agnes seemed half unwilling to proceed, fearful that her welcome at Whinnyside would not be very cordial. She, however, became satisfied on receiving James’s assurance that he knew his aunt’s disposition, and felt con vinced they were taking the right way to

please her by at once taking her into their confidence.
