Mrs. Armly complied; and passing quickly through the wicket gate, rapped at the door, which (at the sound of "come in, in God's name,”) she opened, and entered a small room, that led to another, from whence a voice issued, "strait forward, I am too lame to rise suddenly." The trembling widow obeyed, whispering to herself, "it is her voice ;" and stepping to the second door, she beheld a venerable woman sitting by a window, with a small stand before her, on which lay a bible and knitting work.

As Mrs. Armly halted just as she reached the door, Mrs. Worthy, whose eye was dim by reason of age and weeping, did not perceive that a stranger was there; and said, Come in, come in neighbor Thompson, come in, and sit down, I expected thee an hour ago.

"My name is Anna Armly, said the guest, in a tremulous voice. I am the person that thy friend Phebe Brown

She could add no more-nor was there need ;— one settled glance through the new spectacles, (that were raised on the mob cap at the sound of a rap on the door, and were replaced quick as the name Anna was uttered) was sufficient; and “it is my dearest niece"-was followed, or rather accom

panied by "beloved aunt ;" and in an instant they were locked in each others arms.

Heaven be praised for all its mercies, many indeed they are, cried the aged saint-I see thee again, this side the grave; but the child-thy daughter-that Charley told me of.......

"She is at the door, said Mrs. Armly-and Charles also he brought us down and a few articles of plain furniture."

O, bring her to me-and let me fold her in my old arms ;—yes—let me see my Anna's daughter's daughter.

Mary knows nothing of our relationship, said Mrs. Armly, she is an entire stranger to my early sorrows, except that I lost my mother at her present age; and she knows beside that her grandmother Hallett was a christian; and no more have I ever told her. Her feelings are very, very tender.

Well, well, dear, I understand now all about it-and will manage accordingly-but Charles knows all about the postcript; for I had broke my glasses before he came the other day, and (not thinking my old friend could have any secret in her letter,) I asked Charley to read it out to me.

He is then a very prudent young man, said Mrs. Armly; for he has never hinted the circumstance

to me. I will now ask him to walk in, and will in. troduce to thee, my beloved aunt, thy dear Anna's grandchild. She is good looking; but do not notice that she is gentle and good humored-I an blest in having such a daughter.

Mrs. Armly led Mary to her grand aunt; saying, this is thy friend and mine, my child-we may call her aunt, and live with her in this neat and comfortable dwelling.

The affectionate Mary very readily suffered herself to be pressed again and again to the heart of Mrs. Worthy, who could say little else than, sweet baby, dear child, and Heaven bless her.

It appears Charles had declined joining them, till he had unloaded his wagon, and drove to an inn, to put up the horses, for a couple of hours, that they might be properly refreshed for the travel home. He could take the liberty with his own beast, to let the harness remain on through a whole day, but not with his neighbor's; and he said that farmer Lovering's great wagon was a load by itself. Not a single article would he suffer Mrs. Armly to carry in. She helped him and the polite parson to take "'em out of the vicarage, and that was more than enough; but the people at Bath

must not see the stranger lugging kettles and wash tubs."

After the cheerful rustic had got through, and left his horses to cram their bellies, he said with hay and oats, he walked into his aunt Worthy's sitting room, and inquired after her lame back, and broken spectacles; telling her he had brought a grand dinner, of roasted chickens and apple pie ; and asked if he or Mrs. Armly should set the table for her; adding, he s'posed she would like to sit still, and rest her back, by tending "little busy bee," observing that Mary was sitting upon her lap.

Thou art a cheerful "yellow haired laddie," said Mrs. Worthy, as well as kind and clever. I don't care if thou dost show Anna to the closet in the other room, where my dishes, &c. are kept; and if she pleases, I will set and see myself waited upon, and talk with my little dear. My poor old back is lame indeed-I have been looking for neighbor Thompson, (a kind of a doctress,) all the morning, who engaged to bring me a warm plaster, that she thinks will help it greatly.

The table was set by the handy widow from Jessamine lawn, who in her gentle but ready movements, was watched through the new spectacles,

that were raised more than once for the grateful tear to be wiped away, while a soft whisper escaped Mrs. Worthy's lips, "how striking the resemblance just her height and size-- just so mild her eye; but ah! that cheek is too pale for healthshe must not work hard."

Charles ate, as well as laughed heartily; and said he should think they might all be ashamed to neglect his grandmother's chickens so; (perceiving that what he laid on the plates before them remained there;) but he said he could guess why-at last he observed, he must be going; and told his aunt, that about a week before Christmas she might expect to see him again, with a good load of winter provisions; and till then he must say, farewell.

Many were the secret blessings that were poured forth from Mrs. Armly's heart, in the sight of God, and many desires ascended like a cloud of incense to the mercy-seat, for the welfare of this artless, and faithful rustic friend. Her words were few, but to the purpose; and when she offered Charles the parting hand, she said, “Seek first the kingdom of God;" and follow thy guide-" He will teach thee as never man taught." May his favor be thy rich reward-I can never repay thy kindness to the poor widow of John Armly, and