freely, and as it seemed to me, at length, that our thoughts had dwelt quite long enough on the old crow's nest, I raised my voice, and asked, "Bear, where does Serena live?"

A smile came over his face, like sunshine in the wood, and he said, "Yes, she is lovely!" “Tba. I believe,” said I; “but where does she live "

"She lives in the city, and is the handsomest and best girl in the whole place," said he. "But, Bear," remonstrated I, "you have never spoken to me about her."

"I prefer leaving people and things," said he, "to speak for themselves: you shall soon see her; for one of these days we will go and pay a visit to the old Dahls."

I was intending to ask still farther questions, when a great rain-drop hit me upon the nose; then a second, and then a third, till it was a perfect shower. We sought for the umbrella, but it had been forgotten, and now handkerchiefs and shawls were in requisition to cover my bonnetbut, ah! in vain; my gauze state-and-festival bonnet was entirely ruined before we reached home! Shape, freshness, colour, and flowers, all were wet through and spoiled forever. But the only discontented face which this misfortune occasioned was Bear's.

And so ended the first visiting-day.

THE SECOND VISITING-DAY.

What does the bird of passage do? He goes restlessly wandering about the world, seeking for himself a place where he may build for himself a home to dwell in, since he finds no rest; and who, indeed, does, till he has found a home, a little world for himself, in which, after his own desires, he may live in rest and freedom? And when he has found a spot, or a tree, in which he will abide, then carries he together leaves, and wool, and straw, and builds for himself a home; there he can rest, sit up aloft in his nest, look out on the world below, and sing; and so till the next time of his wandering.

And now, after this little preface, I shall conduct you to the bird's nest of Miss Hellevi Hausgiebel. As I ascended the steps to the door, I must confess that my heart was not as light as a feather, for the words "malicious and ridiculous" lay heavy on my conscience; but, from the topmost step, down flew Miss Hausgiebel to meet me, embraced me with smiles; and I, on my part, heartily returned her embrace, thinking with myself," Miss Hausgiebel is a sensible person;" in which opinion was only the more decided the more I looked about her bird's nest.

| a lively voice, “for it is my highest wish to drive away this wearisome enemy, ennui, with all its attendant yawnings and vapours. All that I have collected together in two years is merely to prevent my friends, and more especially myself, experiencing ennui; and my daily occupation and my pleasure are, continually, to bring into my nest some new straw or other, or to rearrange the old. You see this engraving," said she, pointing to a St. John after Domenichino," and this head of Venus, in plaster of Paris. I received them yesterday, and to-day they make me quite happy. I am not rich enough to purchase original masterpieces, but I can possess myself of copies; and thus, at small cost, collect around me the ideas of great artists."

"But these masterpieces are all original," said L as we entered the little cabinet of natural history. "Yes," answered Miss Hausgiebel, "and on this account they are the most valuable that I possess. The Great Artist, God, acts here, as with all, en grand seigneur. He has scattered his inimitable works of art over land and shore, in wilderness, and in the depths of the sea itself; the earth is full of them; and mankind has nothing to do but to go out and collect."

These remarks were to me quite unexpected. "Oh, Miss Hausgiebel," said I, "you are right! how much richer might we not make our lives, if we would gather of the good that is around us; if we all, each day, brought home a straw, as you call it! but too often we go about, like the blind, seeing nothing."

"Ah, that is the misfortune!" said she; "could not the doctors operate upon this kind of cataract?"

"That of itself would do no good," said my husband: “it requires another sort of operation." "Oh Lord! what do you mean, Dr. Werner ?" asked she.

"That one finds in many people a sleepiness, a heaviness of disposition which-"

"I hate all heaviness," interrupted Miss Hansgiebel, with a spring like that of a frightened bird: "it sends lead into my heart only to hear the word spoken. I have rigorously striven to fly from it, and, in my terror, have taken refuge in my bird's nest; but even here, alas! I must acknowledge that there is a law in the world, which may be called the heavy law, and which draws our bodies down to the earth; yet I strive to keep my soul free, and to collect subjects of thought around, as a bird may fly about the world, and drink dew from the flowers of Eden. Were I a Corinne or a De Staël, I should, perhaps, possess enough in myself. I should then sit down The little house was a perfect little museum. in my little home, a lyre in my hand, and, like Excellent copperplate engravings, and paintings the nightingale, enchant my friends with the by good masters, ornamented the walls; beautiful tones of my voice alone. But, as I am only Helbusts, in bronze and plaster of Paris, were taste-levi Hausgiebel, moderately gifted, both in body fully arranged about. One was delighted to find and soul, and yet do all that in me lies to make one room a library; and in another was a collec-it agreeable to those around me, I have called tion of shells, minerals, and many curious nat- these children of art and nature to my assistance; ural productions, arranged under glass; all in and, if my visiters experience ennui, I can only good preservation and well disposed. Wherev-assert that it must be their own fault." er, in short, we cast our eyes, indications of The lively lady said all this as she led us mind and sentiment were seen; while the lively down into her garden, into flowery vine and little Hausgiebel herself, leading us here and sweetly smelling peach-houses; and then showthere, and explaining all to us, was not the leasted us many beautiful and rare plants, which she interesting part of the collection.

"But, really, it is quite charming here," exclaimed I, quite happy and refreshed by what I had seen: "no one can experience ennui here!" "Your words afford me a great pleasure, dear Madame Werner," replied Miss Hausgiebel, in

The

herself cultivated, and called her children.
Bird's Nest consists merely of a house and gar.
den; but the garden is large, well fenced, and
richly furnished with trees and flowers.

We partook of a collation in a pretty little pavilion in the garden; and, while we were thus

occupied, other visiters from the city made their | peaceful, beautiful summer evening, I endeavappearance, among whom was Lagman Hok, oured to discover clearly what was the impreswho was received by Miss Hausgiebel with pe- sion which the Bird's Nest and its possessor had culiar cordiality. The conversation was gener- made upon me. I had experienced pleasure; al, but soon turned itself upon the new neighbour | Miss Hausgiebel pleased me, in the first inai Ramm, about whom the most various reports stance, because she had so kindly forgiven my and conjectures were given. By turns he be- stupidity; secondly, on account of her dwelling, longed to all nations, and his journey here was and her philosophy of life; but still I was not ascribed to the most various causes: the most gen- completely satisfied. One but after another raiserally accepted of which was, that he was a spy; ed itself in my mind against her Bird's Nest; but what he had come to spy, nobody could tell. then another but raised itself against this objec"Now, I'll bet anything," said Miss Hausgie-tion; and so, at last, to disentangle myself from bel, after many guesses had been made about this but-warfare, I determined to draw Lars Anhim, "that our ill-renowned neighbour, after all, ders into it. will turn out quite a simple, and nothing but a worthy man, who, tired of his own country, is come here into Sweden to divert himself with shooting hares and roebucks. I have lived ten years at Bird's Nest, and have never seen either a spy, a renegade, or the hero of a romance. I fancy these races are all extinct in the world. On the contrary, I have seen many people who are weary of themselves, and who want to get rid of the burden of life. God grant that this race may become extinct also! I have not, however, any objection that this new neighbour should be a man of the first class-nay, I wish it; it would make the whole country lively, and might, perhaps, somehow occasion an interesting romance."

The conversation was continued long on this subject, and was kept up with great spirit.

Miss Hausgiebel belongs to that rare class of people who not only can keep up a lively conversation themselves, but seem to decoy good things out of others. I was quite surprised to hear how witty Lars Anders was; he and Miss Hausgiebel jested, one against the other, and bantered one another, like good old friends. She followed us to the garden-door, as we came away, and, I fancy, read in my eyes that I wished to make some apology for the remark I had so inadvertently made when we first met; for she took my hand, and said, in the most cordial manner, "Čome often to Bird's Nest, my good Madame Werner; I care nothing, after all, if people do say that old Miss Hellevi is malicious and ridiculous. I myself have heard the report, but it will not occasion her one more gray hair than she has already. She will not appear so, however, to Madame Werner, and she is bold enough to beg you to come again; and Dr. Werner, I hope, will accompany his wife. But, remember this, I do not compel you-I hate compulsion in social life; and, dear Madame Werner, if you should ever say to the doctor, Ah, good husband, we really must pay a visit to that old Miss Hellevi Hausgiebel ! She is a wearisome person, but still she pressed us so!' then I pray you, in Heaven's name, not to come; and even, indeed, if you were never to come again, Miss Hellevi would say, all the same, 'The Werners are good-hearted people, and it would give me great pleasure to see them often.'"

"But," said I, "the Werners are not so liberal; they reckon confidently on seeing you soon at Rosenvik, and will take it ill if you do not come."

"Is it possible? then I will be among the first to come!" said the lively little lady, and, kissing our hands, flew away. Flew away, I say, because she resembles a bird in so remarkable a manner; all her motions are quick-too quick to be graceful.

As the cabriolet bore us slowly away, in the

"Bird's Nest," I began, "is very neat, pretty, and interesting; but-"

"But what?" questioned he.

"But I miss a something," said I, "in this little museum, when I think of it as a home. It seems to me as if there were something dry, something egotistical, in the whole establishment."

"How so?" asked Lars Anders, attentively. "How shall I say?" deliberated I. "It seems to me as if the love of the shells had dried up the heart. Whom does Miss Hausgiebel make happy by her establishment and her life? Who is benefited by them ?"

My dear Fanny," replied my husband, “we must take care not to judge too severely, and not to take that word benefit too one-sidedly. It is true that Miss Hausgiebel leads a pleasant life for herself, but she imparts pleasure also to her friends. There would exist less moral information and less pleasure in this neighbourhood if Miss Hausgiebel and her Bird's Nest were not here. Her Wednesday soirées are as lively as they are interesting. We will often go to them." Now, yes, Bear," said I, "it is very well that she amuses the people; it is very well that somebody will give themselves the trouble; but still, I think that her house would be more attractive if it could offer-how shall I express it! a more lively human interest."

"It is not without such a one," returned he, "even though it be concealed. Miss Hausgiebel has a young sister, who made an unhappy marriage, and, in consequence, became extremely unfortunate. When she was a widow, and had lost all her property, her sister Hellevi was not only her excellent friend, but took her to live with her, and became the support of her and her daughter. This poor lady, an estimable mother, has become averse to society through her misfortunes. If you had gone to the upper story of the house you would have seen still-life there, not less interesting than Miss Hellevi and her museum; human beings cannot love one another better than these two sisters do."

"If there be such an egg in the Bird's Nest," said I, "I am perfectly satisfied; for you see, my own Bear, that without a loving human heart, I can consider no dwelling happy, even were it full of works of art and jewels. But long life to Miss Hellevi Hausgiebel and the Bird's Nest!"

THE THIRD VISITING-DAY.

A meager day in a rich house. The house would be magnificent, but it is only decked out. The master would be grand seigneur, but boasts of his chandeliers and French carpets. The lady would be of the highest taste, and would conduct the most interesting conversation-of which, however, she makes only an extraordinary mishmash. The daughters would be highly accom

plished, full of talent and style, and have a sort | which is descended from an old German stock,

A great inheritance, a patent of nobility (N.B. -Mr. Von P. says that he has merely reassumed his German nobility in Sweden), and a journey to Paris, have, according to their opinion, exalted the family of the Von P.s very high in the world. For the last two years they have been settled at Britaberg; have spent the sum-anticipates the age a little sees easily that edumer there, and built a splendid house, and would now pass for eagles among small birds; after all which they must see, with great astonishment, Ma chère mère look down upon them.

must take climate also into consideration, and not require from men under the suns of the south what one expects from those living in our colder north."

bly quite out of conceit; and then, wishing to give the conversation another turn, she addressed her daughters: "My dear girls, cannot you play and sing us something-some of those pieces which you have sung with Miss Von L.?” I was silently astonished at Mrs. Von P.'s The young ladies complied, after some of the words, and especially by the expression "Our gentlemen had seconded the request of their eccentric and passionate age;" but it soon ocmother, and sang both French and Italian pie-curred to me that she drew her knowledge of the ces, which they spoiled through their affected age only from novels. Observe, good Maria, and tasteless manner. In the mean time, Mrs. that I say only-because novel-reading is not inVon P. talked of Colorit, of Weber, Rossini,jurious, except to the exclusion of all other readand Meyerbeer. "Weber," said she, "is whim-ing.

sical, Rossini poor in melody, but Meyerbeer Long live novels, novel-readers, and novelexcels them all; he is truly le prince de la mu-writers! especially as I myself am one of them! sique. You must not imagine, however, Ma- | Mais revenons a nos moutons. dame Werner," said she, " that I do not value the practice of all the arts. In my opinion, it is art alone which confers on us higher life; and, therefore, I have given to my daughters the same education which I have received myself; they are acquainted with four languages; have great talent; and it is only lately that we have returned from Paris, where they have been to perfect themselves. Have you been to Paris, Madame Werner ?" "No."

The young ladies sang and quavered, and seemed almost to have forgotten that there was such a phrase as to leave off. I went to them, and was mischievous enough to inquire if they ever sang Swedish. Whereupon they answered, No, and began to speak of Malibran, of Paris, and such subjects, without speaking well of any of them.

Affectation, false taste, presumption, how I detest you! and on that account I will now make my escape from the nest of these three owl-sisters. "Ah, you must go there soon," said she. "On Mrs. Von P. took a ceremonious and cold vit a Paris, et l'on végète ailleurs. My dear Ma- adieu, without asking me to come again. I conria, do sing the little piece that Count B. sent you.jecture that music lessons, and my acquaintance Do you know Count B., Madame Werner?" "No."

"He comes to us this summer," continued | she; "a highly distinguished young man."

"Is your honour acquainted with the family of Grossier Dahl ?" asked I, now wearied with being always the respondent.

"No-a little," replied she; "our circles are so different-good, very good people, I believe. I have seen them a few times in company; the -what do you call them-the Dahl-Dahlins, don't mix much in the better society of this place." "Because they are so old, I presume," said I. "I have heard a great deal of their grand-daughter, Miss Lofven; she must be very amiable."

"She is a very pretty girl," continued Mrs. Von P., "but a poor little, misshapen, sickly creature; she will not live long-the whole family is of fragile health."

"A little, misshapen, sickly creature!" repeated I, greatly astonished; "what in the world-" But I had not much time to be astonished on this subject, as one of the gentlemen mentioned the new neighbour at Ramm (I began to be half wearied of hearing of the new neighbour), and Mrs. Von P., who seemed as if she feared the conversation might stagnate, threw herself zealously into the subject.

"Oh, that must be an interesting man!" said she, "a true héros du roman! His name is Romanus, or Romulus, and he is an Italian of a noble line. He murdered his first wife, and then connected himself with a beautiful English woman, with whom he went to America; there he had a duel with her brother, whom he killed-whereupon the beloved one died of grief; and now he travels all the world over to dissipate his sorrow, and to do good, for his benevolence is as great as his wealth.""

I listened in wonder.

with wall and quist people, made Mrs. Von P. feel that I was not fit to mix in their circles. Well-and she may be right there.

On our way home we met wagons laden with goods for the new neighbour at Ramm. After all I have heard of this man, if he should only be a common, every-day sort of a person, how vexed I shall be!

14th June.

Yesterday afternoon we were at home, and rejoiced on that account. Lars Anders worked like a regular joiner, and I read to him what I had written about our visiting-days. It gave him pleasure; he laughed, and yet he blamed me, at the same time, for having spoken with so much severity of some persons; neither was he quite satisfied with the judgment I had passed on the Von P.s.

"You call them," said he, "a collection of unfortunate pretensions, and yet you have seen them only once. It is very difficult, my dear Fanny, to pass judgment on men after a long acquaintance, and quite impossible to do so after one visit. Beyond this, many persons, under different circumstances, exhibit such different sides of their character. I have seen people affected and ridiculous in society, whom I have admired by a sick-bed; many, in one case wearisome and assuming, who, in another, have been discreet and agreeable. Others, again, have eccentricities at one time which they lose later in life; many turn their best side inward, and perform the noblest actions, while the world is laughing at the fool's cap which they seem to exhibit. It may be so with this family."

Granted, granted, dear Bear," said I; "and I promise you that, as soon as I become aware of the fair side, I'll paint it in my best colours."

"But were it not better, till then," argued he, "to place the faults more in the shadow? It is "Such circumstances," continued Mrs. Von exactly by such over-hasty judgments that man P., speaking with great affectation, "belong so injures his neighbour; for nobody reflects that entirely to our eccentric and passionate times, one fault does not spoil the whole person." that we cannot pass sentence on them according "What would you have?" asked I: "you disto severe moral laws. Deep, passionate, Byro-tress me; do you wish that I should throw all nian natures require their own measure; one I have written into the fire ?"

"No, let it be as it is," said he; "the mind of, was again carried round, and then Serena asked your reader will probably suggest what I have said."

"But, for greater security, Bear, and to ease my own conscience, I will make her partaker of our little conversation."

And this, my best Maria, I have now done. Ah, I shall always remain an over-hasty person, who judges by first impressions!

Forgive me, and love still your

CHAPTER III.

FRANZISKA.

I COME from a better world; I have been in the kingdom of heaven! Do you wish to know how it looks there?

me, in the name of all, to sing "The Flower Gatherer." I sat down to the piano, and the little band, with oranges in their hands, thronged around me; their rosy cheeks and joyful glances animating my song.

"Ah, once more! once more!" burst forth from. all sides, when I had ended; so I sang it yet once, and twice again; the little angels seeming as if they could not be satisfied. The patriarchs thanked me for my song, even as heartily as the children, and I thanked-the poet.

Serena then introduced games of various kinds, and all was laughter and fun during these games; and while I sat by the patriarchs, there stole in one little angel, who possessed a strong portion of earthly covetousness, and took something from the hoard of her sister. Serena, who at that moment was handing nectar to the patriarchs, followed the child with her eyes, and then going after her, took her aside, and said, with a grave, although mild countenance, "Why, little Eva, did you take your sister's apple ?-was it right?" "She had two, and I had none !" stammered.

There was a patriarch and wife; and only to see that ancient, venerable couple, made the heart rejoice. Tranquillity was upon their brows, cheerful wisdom on their lips, and in their glance one read love and peace. A band of angels surrounded them; some little children; others, blooming maidens, of whom one particu-out little Eva, frightened, and ready to cry. larly fixed my attention, because she so perfectly answered my idea of a seraph; not because all the other angels surrounded her, not because she was so beautiful-for she was not beautiful-but because she looked so pure and loving, and because she seemed to be there for the happiness of all.

Now she was with the patriarchs, and mutual love beamed from glance and gesture; then she lifted angel-children in her arms, and kissed and embraced them; and then she spoke joyous, graceful words with the angel-maidens. She was a kind, heavenly being, whose happiness seemed to consist in love. She gave a sign, and nectar and delicious fruits were carried around, while she herself took care that the children had as much as their little hands could grasp.

The beauty of innocence seemed throned upon her white and gracefully moulded forehead, which affected me as if by the foresight of a heavenly vision. The expression of her beautiful blue eyes was clear and holy, and had that quiet bashfulness, that candour, which delights us in children. I never saw a glance which expressed so much inward goodness, which spoke so plainly that her whole world was pure blessedness. The light brown hair was of wonderful beauty and brightness, and the skin white and transparent; in short, I never saw a form so much resembling a beautiful soul, nor a manner which so much reminded me of music.

I learned that this affectionate maiden was called Serena, and that the children had assembled to celebrate her birthday. All gathered themselves around her, all stood in need of her, all listened to her, and all were listened to by her. "Ah, Serena!" said the angel-maidens, "sing us 'The Flower Gatherer,' that lovely, sweet song."

"Oh, Serena!" besought the angel-children, "play to us, that we may dance."

"I will do what you wish," said the kind Serena, "but what shall I do first? I fancy I must first play for the children, and then we will ask the stranger lady to sing us that beautiful song, because she sings it better, certainly, than I do."

Serena sat down and played, while the young danced and the old smiled, so that it was a pleasure to see. After the dance, the fruit-basket

"Because you had eaten yours," remarked Serena; "but in no case had you a right to take your sister's fruit; that was very wrong, Eva." "I thought nobody saw me," said the little one, weeping.

"But if no one else saw you, God saw you; and he does not love children who do what is wrong. Go, now, and lay the apple down again, dear Eva."

Little Eva went and laid down the apple again (if great Eva had only done the same!), and with tears on her cheeks, said to Serena, "But, then, won't you love me any more?"

66 Will you promise me not again to take, without permission, what does not belong to you?" asked Serena, softly, but seriously.

'Oh, yes!" sighed the little one, "I won't do so again!"

"Then I shall love you, and you shall be my dear little Eva again," said she, taking the child upon her knee, and letting it quietly weep on her bosom.

This little scene, of which I was a secret spectator, while I was chatting with the old people, gave me a picture and a lesson which I shall not soon forget.

At the Dahls, also, as everywhere else, the new resident at Ramm was spoken of; not in the spirit of extravagant conjecture; some things which were good and noble were related of him; the man certainly was not Don Miguel, and there was joy over him in the kingdom of heaven.

In this kingdom of heaven there was a little sparrow, but not like any sparrow I ever before saw; it was tame, and full of a human-kindness; the angel-children were particularly charmed with it. All was laughter, bustle, and merriment, as the sparrow flew about, sitting ever and anon on their little heads, and "Gold-gelb! gold-gelb !" was repeated by all the jubilant company.

So passed the whole evening, with games, dance, song, and laughter. At one time, the angel-band, conducted by Serena, came and danced round the patriarchs, enclosing us in the joyful circle, till, again breaking loose, in the midst of song, they dispersed to form new groups.

However beautiful and joyous it might be ir the kingdom of heaven, still we must think of returning to our little earthly home; so, after we had supped with the angels, we set out on our