OR THE DESERT ISLAND. Q)

and younger too than himself, consecrated to her amuse-
ment all the hours he could spare: in return, she cherished
towards him the most sacred affection. The cottage in
which they dwelled faced the west, and could be plainly
seen from the grand road to Paris. Maria was accus-
tomed to seat herself at the threshold of the door, each
evening, to enjoy the cool air, and to have the pleasure of
her brother’s company, as soon as his day’s work was
finished. Her modest and striking countenance portray-
ing at once innocence and intelligence, her curly flaxen
ringlets and rosy cheeks, and her delicate, well-propor-
tioned form, rendered it impossible for her to be seen
without feelings of deep interest and compassion.

Philip owned a large spaniel, one of the most beautiful
of that noble breed. He had taught him to obey his sister ;
and, in his absence, Valiant was the sole amusement of
little Maria. Faithfully devoted to the service of the
family, this sagacious animal served both as a guard and
a guide. Maria sometimes sauntered along the lane that
passed nearest to the cottage, holding in her hand a silken
cord, by which her favourite spaniel was reminded that
his young mistress was under his special guidance: the
intelligent creature would then immediately repress his
sportive tendencies, and with the utmost vigilance would