Alleghanies, crowded with stately trees all
covered with snow and ice, with here and there thick clambering
evergreens, looking all the richer for their bright unsullied winter
caps. Slowly and laboriously do the wheels of a heavy traveling carriage
wind along the rugged ascent, while the heaving flanks and dilated
nostrils of the noble steeds bear witness to the toilsome pathway.
Muffled in cloaks and furs, we scarcely recognize, in the inmates of the
coach, our two school-girls, lately emancipated from their narrow cell
and the thraldom of school-laws. We would willingly linger to admire
with them the grandeur and sublimity of these props of heaven; but we
will not attempt a description of that which was among the mightiest
works of Him, the Almighty; so we pass over the perilous and impressive
journey, nor pause until, again in her own village, again on the steps
of her dearly loved home, Alice Clayton is pressed to her mother's
bosom.

Now under her father's roof, she has become the glad child again. We see
her first with her companion, Kate Earle, wandering about the spacious
drawing-rooms, now tastefully arranging the folds of the heavy satin
curtains, or decorating the tables with rich bouquets; then trying the
full, clear tones of the piano; and at last, taking a delighted survey
of the whole, she trips away into the long dining-hall, contemplates a
moment the iced pyramids, foamy floats, transparent jellies, &c., then,
arm in arm, they seek their chamber, and are soon busily engaged in the
witching duties of the toilet.

Night hurries on, and the cold moon looks calmly down the quiet village:
but soon, no longer silent, we hear quickened foot-falls, rolling
carriages, the hum of busy tongues, and occasionally a silvery laugh
floats out upon the cool night air. Before the stately, and now
brilliantly-lighted, mansion of Mr. Clayton they pause, ascend the
steps, and are lost to view. But we will enter and look upon the happy
throng assembled here to welcome back their former playmate, sweet Alice
Clayton. Ah, how tenderly she greets them! Now do her soft eyes light up
and flash with intense joy as she receives her numberless guests with
unaffected grace, presenting many to her visitor, Kate Earle. The music
and the dance begin, youth and beauty eagerly join the circle, while the
older ones retire to the whist-tables, none marking the speedy flight of
the rosy hours. Some are there, strangers to the fair idol of