HALCYON DAYS.

interrupted William-r" a real out-and-out gardener,
you know ?"
 That I should i" replied Dick, with sparkling eyes;
"( nothing better."
 Well, then, Dick," said Mr. Vyning, "I have
come to ask your father to let me take care of your
future prospects. I will send you to a school where
you will receive a good plain education, and then place
you with a gentleman who will instruct you in every-
thing connected with gardening-it will be your own
fault, Dick, if you do not learn, and if you do not
thrive."
 "I thank you, sir," replied the ploughman, speak-
ing with difficulty-" I thank you from my heart."
 Mrs. Price fairly sobbed, while Dick could scarcely
refrain from dancing and shouting, his favourite man-
ner of expressing pleasure.
 Tears stood in Mrs. Vyning's eyes also when she
said, "We are happy in being able thus to prove to
you how grateful we are that our child has been
preserved to us-though nothing we can do, Mrs.
Price, can ever repay the service your husband has
rendered us."
 The next morning William returned to Eton, for
another half-year's absence from home. The parting of
the brother and sisters was a great contrast to their
meeting--then they were so noisy and glad-now so
downcast and silent.
 I know I shall like school when I get there,"
were the boy's last words as he tried to smile good-
bye, "but I am sorry to leave you girls, that I am !"
 The day seemed so long and tedious to Minnie and
Louisa, that they almost feared they should not be
happy again until William came back. Time, however,
especially when well employed, can work wonders, and