rly spent itself, and but for the circling
arm of Mowbray she would have fallen.

In a moment her head was on his bosom--she was weeping passionately;
and Mowbray forgot all, and only saw the woman whom he loved.

Need we say that he did not utter one word of comment on her
narrative? Poor Mowbray! he was no statue, and the hand which she had
promised him laughingly on that morning, now lay in his own; the proud
and haughty girl was conquered by a power far stronger than her pride;
and over them the merry blossoms showered, the orioles sang, and
Nature laughed to see her perfect triumph.

When Philippa returned to the company she was very silent, and blushed
deeply, holding to her face the handkerchief which Hoffland had picked
up. But no one noticed her; all was in confusion.

Where was Belle-bouche? That was the question, and a hundred voices
asked it. She had disappeared; and Jacques too was nowhere to be seen.
The banquet was ready; where was the hostess?

It was in the middle of all this uproar that a voice was heard from
the great oak, and looking up, the laughing throng perceived the
radiant face of Jacques framed among the leaves, and looking on them.

"My friends," said Jacques, "the matter is very simple--be good enough
to raise those steps."

And the cavalier pointed to the prostrate ladder.

With a burst of laughter, the steps were raised and placed against the
oak. And then Jacques was observed to place his foot upon them,
leading by the hand--Belle-bouche.

Belle-bouche was blushing much more deeply than Philippa; and Jacques
was the picture of happiness. Is it too much to suppose that he had
this time stolen a march on the inimical fates, and forced
Belle-bouche to answer him? Is it extravagant to fancy that her reply
was _not_, No?

And so they descended, and the company, laughing at the mishap,
hastened toward the flower and fruit decorated table, and the banquet
inaugurated itself joyously.

And in the midst of all, who should make his appearance but--the
gallant Sir Asinus! Sir Asinus, no longer intending for Europe, but
satisfied with Virginia; no _longer_ woful, but in passable good
spirits; no longer melancholy, but surveying those around him with
affectionate regard.

And see him, in the midst of laughter and applause, mount on the end
of a barrel which had held innumerable cakes, holding a paper in his
hand, and calling for attention.

Listen!

"Whereas," reads Sir Asinus, "the