t

OF THE FOREST. 15

their garden during the intervals of their
studies : then it was that the voice of anger
first rose towards my window, and my ear
was then first saluted with the tones of dis-
cord, disturbing the beautiful harmony of the
scene. I observed also, after a while, that
there was an entire cessation of those games
and diversions in which the young people
formerly seemed to take such interest ; nei-
ther did I hear those cries of joy proceeding
from the playground which were in former
periods so delightful to my ear as I sat in my
study: for worldly purposes and feelings had
crept into this little society; and I, as if
aware that these symptoms observed amongst
these young people were only the beginnings
of misfortunes, frequently at that time looked
back on the days of innocent (comparatively
innocent) pleasure which were fast passing
away, with a sort of regret which seemed
even more bitter than the occasion war-
ranted.

The time had been, nay, it was hardly
gone, when it had been the chief delight of
the pupils of Madame Bulé to cultivate
flowers in all attainable varieties, and Ma-