After All, Or Thrice Won.

" But supposing your lot to be that of some single flower ; which one do you imagine Avould be most in accordance with your msthetical tastes ? " " I can hardly say , it seems so strange ; and then , you know , they have no feeling as we have , no tastes , no desires ; in fact , nothing in common , so that such an idea is almost impossible , " explained Olivia . " Wellbut imagine that to live like a floAver you would imbibe and

experi-, ence the same qualities they are supposed to symbolize ; in fact , treat tbe whole thing in a poetic manner , ancl then IIOAV Avould you choose ? " said Humberton . " Yon seem so anxious that I should tell you . " " Believe me , I am , " said Humberton .

"Well , to satisfy you , I think I would be a rose ; but why do you ask r " " Merely to know your choice ; but there are so many kinds of roses . Have you no preference ? " " I sometimes like one sort ancl sometimes another , but I think I like a deep red rose , like that one you see there , " said Olivia , and she pointed to one almost in front of him , growing on a small tree . ¦ "Now you must tell me what flower you would like to be . "

"After your confession I could not hel p but choose tbe same—a rose . " " What , the same colour , too ? " "Well , no ; if I had my choice it should be a moss rose-bud , just like that one on tbe tree next to yours . " "Do yoa really mean that ? " said she , blushing deeply . " I do , with all my heart ; " ancl he pressed her closer to him . " But—but—I ' m so superstitiousyou know ; and that tree is to be bedded

, out to-morrow , while mine will remain here . " " Ah , believe me , that is pure superstition , " said Arthur Humberton , now feeling a deep interest in all she said , and determined to carry bis point ; " my heart shall always beat near yours , if you will let it . " "Ah ! but what if papa will have that flower removed into tbe garden . ? " whispered Olivianow blushing deeper than ever ; " but I ' m afraid I show too

, much interest iu so small a thing ; let us talk of something else . " " Oh , no ; your conversation interests me exceedingly , ancl the subject too ; do you not think yon could prevent its removal ; with your tender voice , have you no influence with your clear father ? " urged Humberton earnestly . "Yes , but would it be right for me to do so ? " said she . "Why not ?"

" Why , I don ' t knoAv ; but yon know " Just then the dog gave a low growl , warning them of the approach of some one , ancl Olivia struggled to release herself from the hold of Humberton . He would not , however , leaA r e his prize UOAV until he had exacted from her a promise that he mi ght write to her . It was another couple who approached them ancl remarked on their lengthened absence , at which Olivia , again blushed deeply and said that she had felt so hot that she came there to get cool ; ancl she went back with them into the dancing room .

Tbe company bad now ceased dancing , and singing and playing were again being performed by different members . Merrisslope was just roaring out a rattling drinking song , and loud were the plaudits and choruses that accompanied him . He was , of course , encored , and Humberton ancl Olivia seemed to be taking every notice of him , though their thoughts were far , far away , and only expressed to each other by a stealthy squeeze of the band . When Merrisslope had finished be turned round , and seeing Humberton said _

Hallo , old fellow , I reckon weve missed you ; come , you must do your turn , and I know you ' ve a splendid A ^ oice , so don't be greedy and hide your li ght under a bushel , you know . Come , let ' s have a little of it , a bushel of it if you like ; you know I ' ve a call , but I ' m nowhere where you come . " "Nonsense ; you know I never sing , " said Humberton .