TIME NORTHCROPT LILIES.

 Gertrude was in a twitter of delight ; and when
 after all nothing had been said about the woods, and
 the horse seemed impatient, she squeezed her papa's
 hand, and he understood and said, My little girls
 have heard of the primroses in the Northcroft woods,
 and are all eagerness to go; but there are dark hints
 respecting the keepers, and we fear they might be
 trespassing. Would you mind the young ones going
 occasionally, Sir Charles ?"
 "Not at all! not at all! The keepers are parti-
 cular, I know, but Bramford has orders to give any
 one leave who asks: but your little girls are welcome
 to go at any time, and the woods are full of lilies in
 May. I hope you will let them go whenever they like,
 Mr. Layton."
 Thank you very much."
 You see," continued Sir Charles, it is the boys
 that do the harm-the young rascals! they destroy
 the young trees, and startle the game, and that doesn't
 do."
 "Certainly not. I think I can promise for my
 children that they will be quiet and orderly -eh,
 Gertrude ?"
 Oh yes, papa !" and Gertrude looked the picture
 of shy happiness.
 "And must we keep to any particular part ?"
 "Go anywhere you please. And as for the lilies,"
he added, turning to Gertrude with a smile-which
confirmed her in her opinion that he was the dearest
old gentleman in the world-- you may clear the
woods if you like it is a pity they should bloom every
year, and give no one any pleasure."
 After this, nearly every fine day, an hour or two
was spent in the woods, which were fast becoming very
lovely in their spring dress; and though in the search