rents and children, the brothers and sisters--gifts,
trifling in themselves, but dear from their association with the
cherished givers. It was an endearing sight to see the venerable parents
receiving from their children testimonies of that affectionate
consideration which the care and tenderness of years had so well
deserved. Tears were on Mrs. Donaldson's cheeks, and even the Colonel's
eyes glistened as they clasped one after another of their children to
their hearts, and invoked on them the blessing of Heaven. From this
scene Mr. Arlington and I had stood aloof, silent, but not uninterested
spectators. As the excitement of the principal actors subsided, we
approached and tendered our hearty congratulations, and received equally
hearty congratulations in return. Neither had Aunt Nancy been altogether
forgotten in the mementos of affection provided for the day; and I
thought Mr. Arlington looked a little envious as Annie, with a kiss,
threw around my neck a chain woven of her own hair, and suspended to it
the eye-glass which I always wore. I do not know but his envy may have
been somewhat allayed by a very handsomely decorated copy of an English
work on sporting, with which Col. Donaldson presented him. He had
scarcely found time, however, to admire it, when all attention was
attracted to Philip Donaldson, who entered with a servant bearing the
mysterious box to which I have before alluded.

"There is my New-Year present to you, Annie," he said, as he began to
open it. All drew near and looked on with interest, yet few felt much
surprise when, the cover being removed, a Greek dress was disclosed.
From the rich head-dress of silvered muslin to the embroidered slipper,
all was complete. Annie looked on with a smile as he displayed piece
after piece--yet her smile wore some appearance of constraint; and when
Philip, drawing her to him, kissed her cheek and said, "Not a word for
me, Annie!" with her thanks were mingled some hesitating expressions of
apprehension that this dress would be very conspicuous, concluding with
the timid question, "Do you really wish me to wear it this evening,
Philip?"

"Certainly, Annie. It was in order to show you in this dress that I
proposed fancy dresses for this evening; you will not disappoint me?"

"Certainly not--at least not willingly--I will wear it. If I wear it
ungracefully you will forgive me?"

"I am not afraid of that," said Philip, as he glanced at her glowing
face with a bro