his only son will sue for favor in the eyes of--it may be a
maiden of low birth! It matters not! Should he disinherit me, I will
seek her society! I must love her even though she look upon me coldly. I
will see her again this very day!" with these resolves he threw himself
upon his couch, if he might get a little rest, before he again went
forth into the busy day, with feelings how changed!

Natalie was awakened from her late slumbers, by a kiss from Winnie,
whose merry voice made the apartment ring. "So, ho! Miss Natalie," she
exclaimed, "you have been holding late revels with the water nymphs by
moonlight! and now, when the stronger light of the sun bids us mortals
awake, you have made good your retreat, and are enjoying Morpheus's
protecting care! but I can guess from whence the smiles came, as you
slept! never fear, darling, I'll tell nobody of whom you dreamed!"

"Why, Winnie dear," exclaimed Natalie, endeavoring to free herself from
the kisses which that crazy little body was lavishing upon her, "have I
slept so late? and what has turned your head so early this morning? I do
not know what will become of us all before the day is ended, if you go
on thus." Opening her eyes, she looked about her, endeavoring to collect
her senses. Her eye fell upon a bouquet, of the finest, most delicate
flowers, in a vase, upon her toilet table; it had evidently been placed
there since she had retired, as she did not remember of seeing it
before. "You are very kind, Winnie, in being so thoughtful of me," she
said, "but where did you get those beautiful varieties? they are not
from our conservatory."

"O, you innocent rogue! you think to make me believe you know nothing of
them, do you? they certainly came from some one who was thoughtful of
your well-being! but come, make yourself look as charming as possible,
for there is a friend awaiting us in the drawing room, who it is, I'll
not say, for 'haste makes waste,' you know!"

Natalie blushed, for there came at once a rush of thoughts to her mind.
She but then remembered the pleasures of last evening. Winnie giving her
a knowing look, left her to her own reflections. Banishing all other
thoughts from her mind, Natalie kneeled at her morning devotions, her
low voice went up in thanks for the many blessings which were hers, not
forgetting to ask for greater favors for her dear mother and brother,
whom she expected so soon to meet, in two short weeks, at the time which
had been fixed,