alk hypothetical plains.

Soon shall the wintry December
Darken above us the sky--
Winds their old custom remember
All, in a spree, to get high;

And, as they wail through the copses,
Dirge-like and solemn to hear,
Nature's own grand Thanatopsis
Sadly shall strike on the ear.

But all impressions so murky
Instantly banish like care,
Turn to the ham and the turkey
Christmas shall shortly prepare.

None than yourself can be richer,
Seated at night by the hearth,
With an old friend and a pitcher
Lending a share of the mirth.

Then to the needy be given
Aid from your generous boards,
And to a bountiful Heaven
Thanks for the wealth it affords.

THE PUNISHMENT OF GINA MONTANI.

From Colburn's New Monthly Magazine.

I.

There was much bustle and commotion in the Castle of Visinara. Servitors
ran hither and thither, the tire-maidens stood in groups to gossip with
each other, messengers were dispatched in various directions, and skilful
leeches and experienced nurses were brought in. Then came a long silence.
Voices were hushed, and footsteps muffled; the apartments of the countess
were darkened, and nought was heard save the issued whisper, or the
stealthy tread of the sick chamber. The Lady Adelaide was ill. Hours
elapsed--hours of intolerable suspense to the Lord of Visinara; and then
were heard deep, heartfelt congratulations; but they were spoken in a
whisper, for the lady was still in danger, and had suffered almost unto
death. There was born an heir to Visinara. And as Giovanni, Count of
Visinara, bent over his child, and embraced his young wife, he felt repaid
for all he had suffered in voluntarily severing himself from Gina Montani;
and from that time he forgot her, or something very like it. And for this
he could not be condemned, for it was in the line of honor and of duty.
Yet it was another proof, if one were wanting, of the fickle nature of
man's love. It has been well compared to words written on the sands. Many
weeks elapsed ere the Lady Adelaide was convalescent; and some more before
she ventured to join in the gayeties and festal meetings of the land. A
two days' _fete_, given at the Capella Palace, was the signal for her
reappearance in the world. It was to be of great magnificence, rumor ran,
and the Lady Adelaide consented to attend it early on the morning of the
second day. She placed herself i