120 A CONTRE-TEMPS.

his son, ‘they never told you how it was really. I
daresay he was but seldom spoken of.”

“Never!” said Reynolds, “I never heard them
speak of him; my feelings have always been so much
considered. And he lives then, actually ?”

“Yes, lives,” said she, “and is so changed that
even you—that nobody—need be ashamed of him—
poor as he is. But he is so good, so gentle, his only
fault is that he loves me too well, has adventured too
much for me. Oh, how thankful I am that you will
own him! I always thought you would. Often have
I come to the shop, just to see you—you looked to
me so good and amiable,” said she, blushing, and
looking affectionately in his face.

“I declare I never saw anybody’s bonnet fit their
heads so prettily as yours,” exclaimed he, stopping
suddenly, and letting go her arm. “Come, I must
see this bonnet off,” said he, suddenly untying the
strings—“ No, I won't crush the dear little bonnet,
not I. I tell you what, you ought never to wear a
bonnet ; it’s a sin and a shame to hide your head.”

“Oh, give me my bonnet,” said she, “ you make
me quite ashamed ! ”

] shall not give up the bonnet till I have had a
kiss,” said he ; and without further ceremony caught
her in his arms, and kissed her forehead and lips.

“TI tell you what,” said he, “I really am sorry,
after all, that you are my sister. I would a deal
rather have had you for my wife.” >a

“I'll come and keep your house for you,” said she,
“that I will; ; you have no notion what a good hotiges”
keeper I am.’ ee
' “ No, you shall not keep my house,” said he, « -
I know somebody that will be falling in love w