Sisterly Kindness.

favourite accompaniment to a lady's voice in all the politer circles of Paris. We believe they have erroneously given the name of the lute to this instrument, in England. Its tones so perfectly resemble that of the harp, that a listener, not secing the performer, would imagine it to be one; while the art of playing on it is learnt in as few lessons as is requisite to teach the common guitar.

As Mrs. Meadowes was thus seated, singing with that ease which a person feels, however timid, when they imagine no one is near, old Mr. Meadowes unexpectedly arrived. He stopped in the hall; he thought he heard an harp; he knew his daughters played only the PianoForte; the voice had a peculiar sweetness, which, though the Miss Meadowes sung scientifically, had in its mellow tones: nothing similar to their's.

He entered the dining parlour. Ile was

Old Mr Meadowes."I have been listening, some time at the Door, delighted"

Young Mrs Meadowes."I hope not, Sir."

Power of Harmony.

struck with the bewitching appearance of the interesting young creature which presented herself to his view. She rose, addressed him with politeness, thinking he was some country gentleman who had been invited to dinner; and as she stood before him, she displayed a form of the finest symmetry and grace;

Et vera incessu patuit Dea.

Her dress was a delicately white muslin of a very fine texture, and the fashion of her robe was such as set off the contour of her lovely figure to the best advantage a few ringlets of her bright nut-brown hair sported carelessly over her face, while its fine length was confined in braids by a pearl comb.

"I beg, young lady," said her fatherin-law," I may not interrupt the charming employment you were engaged in ; I have been listening, some time, at the

A Crisis.

66

door, delighted." "I hope not, Sir," said the blushing Mrs. Meadowes. I should imagine," replied he, "a countenance so expresive of good nature would not be displeased at imparting pleasure to others. But how long has this village been blessed in such an acquisition as yourself? for I will flatter myself you are some very near neighbour; amongst all my daughter's young friends, I am sure I never saw you before."

Mrs. Meadowes now felt a sudden trembling come over her; she had been conversing with her husband's father, who had vowed never to receive her. She said, "I will inform the young ladies you are here, Sir. Mr. Meadowes took her hand; "No, my charming young lady, pray do not leave me; my girls generally take a long time at their toilette when they dress for dinner, and seldom come down till a few minutes before it is on the table." "Pardon me, Sir,"