CHAPTER LXXIV.
"Time," says an old writer, "is so precious a cordial, we can only receive it by drops;" but we may add that, as it never ceases to dispense its restoring influence, four of the brightest months in the year cannot pass over the young, the hopeful, and the healthy, without imparting a most benignant influence, adding brilliance to beauty, and activity to intelligence.
It is the latter end of August, when the weather is settled, the trees in full foliage, the second crop of grass springing green as the emerald, and the waving gold of harvest becoming every hour of a richer tint; when roses and woodbine have succeeded to the May bloom in our hedges, and the gardens are bright with magnolias, acacias, and catalpas. And where can all be seen in more perfection than Meersbrook! standing half way up a gentle eminence, looking round on a small but
