HOME AT THE HAVEN.

man that she had only known when just entering the
navy as a midshipman. He explained to her that he
had unexpectedly had some business that morning at a
town on the line of railway by which they had come,
and that after he found out who were his comp',anions
in returning, he had tried not to disturb her nap, whilst
he amused himself with the talk of the young folk,
without letting them know who he was. Mrs. Osborne
soon felt quite at home with him, and quickly under-
stood the mixture of roughness and kindness which
was in his manners. They had, besides, many plea-
sant remembrances of old times to talk over together,
which made them familiar and friendly at once.
 Edward liked his uncle very much, and was greatly
delighted with all the charming things that were to be
found at the Haven, and Lucy's spirits rose as she saw
how pleased and cheerful her mother seemed. She
followed close behind, as her uncle led the way, all over
the house and round the garden, and thought to her-
self how ungrateful it would be not to be pleased at the
thought of living in such a nice home. Kind prepara-
tions, too, had been made for their arrival, and the
prettiest of bed-rooms and sitting-rooms set apart en-
tirely for the use of her mother and herself, and even,
before they had been half-an-hour in the house, a nail
found at the side of a pleasant window where Dickey
could hang and sing as long as he liked. Luckily
Captain Osborne did not dislike pet birds; for in the
hall was a large grey parrot, on a perch, who was the
most amusing and plain-speaking talker that was ever
heard. It was enough to make them all feel at home,
if it were only to hear this parrot, whom the bustle of
their arrival had roused into a talkative fit; for nothing
was heard all over the house but How d'ye do;"
" Hope you're pretty well; Glad to see you; filled