Very watery," he gravely replied; "I am quite sure we shall have a pretty deluge to-morrow. The clouds are flying as if the very devil were chasing them."

"Let me look," said Ellinor, approaching the window. "Nonsense," she exclaimed, on beholding a beautifully clear and settled sky, "I never saw a finer night."

"That is just the reason," said Charles, "that you should expect a rainy morning." "Lennox," said his lady," is always prophesying evil; but I don't mind him

now.”

"That's an old trick of his," said Ellinor; "but, I assure you, I mind him no more than you do."

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Very well," said Charles, "we shall see; but if it does not pour to-morrow, I never was more mistaken in life." my

"I don't believe you think any such thing," said Ellinor; " and, I dare say, you just say it will rain to tease us.” "Ellinor," said Catherine, who thought

it as prudent to retire, in case this might terminate in a downright dispute, as she had frequently known similar trifles end,

are you coming to bed? I have been standing with the candle in my hand this half hour, there is your one; so, pray let us go up stairs."

"You are in a great hurry, I think," said Ellinor; "what can have made you so sleepy to-night ?"

Oh, pray," said Charles, " do take another peep at those flying clouds before you retire to your downy pillow. 'Tis a pity to go away before they look more settled."

"Go you and settle yourself in your bed," said Ellinor, pettishly, as she followed Catherine," and please let me alone."

"What a spoiled petted girl she is," said Charles to his wife, as soon as she had quitted the room; "'tis a great pity she cannot take a jest."

"I always thought her a disagreeable creature," replied Mrs Lennox; " but I

really think you spoil her quite as much as any one."

"I must say, madam," exclaimed Charles, angrily, (who, although he had himself found fault with Ellinor, was by no means pleased that his lady had taken the same liberty,) "that this is not a proper way to speak of my sister. I beg that in future you will speak with more respect of my friends."

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“That will just depend on your friends deserving it," said Mrs Lennox, carelessly. You yourself allowed that Ellinor was spoiled and petted, so I was doing nothing more than agreeing with you; but whether you think her petted or not petted, I not only think it, but shall have no hesitation in saying so. But I am tired, so we may as well go to bed."

And with these words she quitted the apartment, leaving her lord and master to follow at his leisure.

"What kind of morning is it, Campbell ?" said Ellinor, as the latter entered

her chamber, in obedience to an unusually early summons; "I hope it does not rain." "Not a drop, ma'am," replied the waitingmaid; "'tis a very fine morning, ma'am.” "Look at my watch, and tell me the hour."

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"Eight o'clock, ma'am," said Campbell. Only eight? why, I thought it was much later; but since 'tis so early, I won't get up for half an hour yet; so you may draw my curtains, and go down stairs; but be sure and come the moment you hear me ring. You may call Miss Dundas. I know she likes to rise early."

"Miss Dundas has been out this hour with Miss Clara; she was up and dressed before seven o'clock."

"I wonder what can take her out so early," muttered Ellinor, as she composed herself for another nap. "I am sure there's nothing to be seen at this time of the morning."

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George tells me," said Sir Thomas, as the family assembled at breakfast," that

one of the carriage horses is so lame, he fears we must not take him out with us to-day. 'Tis a pity that this should happen just now, when we had fixed to go to Dalkeith."

"You can take our horses," said Charles, "we won't require them; there will be room enough in your carriage for yourself and the ladies, and I shall take the dicky."

"I dare say that will be the best plan," said the Baronet; "so, Charles, you may pull the bell, and give your orders to the coachman."

"You know, Lennox," exclaimed his lady, far from satisfied with this arrangement, “that our bays are very slight, and not accustomed to draw such a heavy carriage. It will absolutely kill the poor creatures to drag such a weight after them; and such a distance too."

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Nonsense," said Charles, in great displeasure, as he rose to pull the bell. "The horses have been pampered long enough in