o return to dinner at Falcon's Nest; consider, too, the fatigue it
would occasion you."

"I would be very glad, indeed, my dear," said she; "but what are we to
dine on? We have prepared no provision, and I fear we shall all
be hungry."

"What matter," said Jack, "provided you dine with us? You must take your
chance. I will go and get some oysters, that we may not die with
hunger;" and off he galloped on his buffalo. Fritz followed him, on some
pretence, on Lightfoot. Mamma wished she had brought a vessel to carry
some water from the river, for she knew we could get none at Tent House.
Francis reminded her we could milk the cow, and she was satisfied, and
enjoyed her journey much. At last we arrived before the colonnade. My
wife was dumb with wonder for some moments.

"Where am I, and what do I see?" said she, when she could speak.

"You see the _Franciade_, mamma," said her little boy; "this beautiful
colonnade was my invention, to protect you from the heat; stay, read
what is written above: _Francis to his dear mother. May this colonnade,
which is called the Franciade, be to her a temple of happiness._ Now
mamma, lean on me, and come and see my brothers' gifts--much better than
mine;" and he led her to Jack's pavilion, who was standing by the
fountain. He held a shell in his hand, which he filled with water, and
drank, saying, "To the health of the Queen of the Island; may she have
no more accidents, and live as long as her children! Long live Queen
Elizabeth, and may she come every day to _Jackia_, to drink her son
Jack's health."

I supported my wife, and was almost as much affected as herself. She
wept and trembled with joy and surprise. Jack and Ernest then joined
their hands, and carried her to the other pavilion, where Fritz was
waiting to receive her, and the same scene of tenderness ensued. "Accept
this pavilion, dear mother," said he; "and may _Fritzia_ ever make you
think on Fritz."

The delighted mother embraced them all, and observing Ernest's name was
not commemorated by any trophy, thanked him again for her beautiful
bonnet. She then drank some of the delicious water of the fountain, and
returned to seat herself at the repast, which was another surprise for
her. We all made an excellent dinner; and at the dessert, I handed my
Canary wine round in shells; and then Ernest rose and sung us very
prettily, to a familiar air, some little verses he had composed:--

On this festive happy day,
L