ard.

The crow from the topmost bough of a withered tree eyed him as he
passed along quite near, and croaked once, but did not leave his
perch. Armstrong heard him not. Nor did he heed the blue-bird singing
in the noonday sun to the arbutus blossoms crushed by his unwitting
feet, or notice the petulant squirrel flinging down the shells of his
nuts, as if in mockery at the passing stranger. He was met by Primus
in the village street, who took off his cap, but to the salutation
of the negro he paid no regard. The General stopped as he passed, and
turned round, with a sorrowful surprise, to look after him, and shook
his head. It was the first time Mr. Armstrong had passed him without
notice and a kind word. The negroes are very superstitious, and great
observers of signs. He remarked that Mr. Armstrong's hat was pulled
over his eyes, in the same manner he wore it at the funeral of his
wife, and augured some impending calamity.

Mr. Armstrong entered his house, and threw himself into a seat, but
he sat only a moment. Something seemed to be wanting. A restless
impatience possessed him. He took up the tongs and begun to alter
the disposition of the sticks of wood. He could not suit himself, and
finally abandoned the fire to itself, after having filled the room
with smoke. He went to the bookcase, and took down a book, and
commenced reading. But presently his eyes wandered off, and fastened
themselves on the rug. He threw down the book, and rung the bell
violently. Felix instantly answered the summons.

"It seems to me you are very negligent in attending to the bell this
morning," said he. "It is unpleasant to be obliged to ring so often."

"You ring only once, Mr. Armstrong," said Felix, opening his eyes
wide with astonishment. "I in the kitchen at the time, and come
immediumtly. The tongue still jingle."

"You may well say your tongue jingles," said Mr. Armstrong, sharply.
"Let me trouble you not to contradict me. Where is Miss Faith?"

"Miss Faith went out an hour ago. I guess she is calling on some
ladies."

"Go, and find her, and request her to come home."

Felix retreated hastily into the kitchen, and seized his cap. But
before going out he thought it necessary to speak to Rosa.

"O, Rosa!" he said, "take care o' the boss while I'm gone. Something
dreadful is happened to him, and I'm 'fraid of the consequence. If you
hear the bell, Rosa, run for your life."

"How can I leave the dinner? It all spoil, Felix,"