CHAPTER, VII.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 224, 16 May 1872, Page 9

CHAPTER, VII.

After this lapte of time, I could not positively say whether it was Alexis who asked permission to visit me at pnpa's house, or whether, in a sort of rounding way, with perfect delicacy and decorum, of course, it was not I who dropped him a hint that he might- do so. He was so very curious in some things, and so unlike any of my former experiences in the lover shape. He would sit by the hour together perfectly silent, gazing intently. When, sometimes, I asked him what he was thinking of he would reply, ' nothing ' ; and I have reason to believe that in this respect he was not untruthful. One day mamma enquired whether he played upon any instrument, and he said he played upon the flute. Mamma said, ' You must bring it with you next time you come.' He said to me, ' Do you wish it V I said, ' Yes, of course,' He took up his hat and went away, and fetched the flute, and played to us continually all the evening. When papa came home, fagged and jaded (papa had a way of coming home like th-it, and I don't think Alexis' music had a very soothing effect iipon him sometimes,) he would sip his tea silently and stare very hard at Alexis, but used not to talk much. One day papa asked mamma this

singular question, ' Which of cmr girls does that young fellow come after?'

' Why, Aurora, of course,' said mamma. (I am Aurora.) « [ am not sure of that,' said papa ; I've half a notion its Lavinia.' •

From that time forth it became the sole occupation of everybody in the household to ascertain for a certainty whom it was that Alexis ' came after.' Was itLa vinia 1 Virginia 1 ? " Adelina m Selina ???? Clementina??? 1 ?? Or Me??????