always was; but now, as Mr. Poppleton the curate, said, she was radiant, and looked ten times younger and handsomer than ever. She told Dobbs that the Major had hinted that there was an early prospect of their coming home before; but that she had not courage to mention it till she was certain, fancying she could bear a disappointment better if she had never communicated her hope to anybody.
"As this letter had been written immediately before the fleet was to sail, of course the Major himself, or the summons to meet him at Portsmouth, might be hourly expected; and there were such preparations-such a joyous bustle-and dear Harry, he was so busy too! There was the house to be got ready, the clean curtains to be put up, the carpets to be laid; whatever was much worn or looked shabby to be replaced; and there was her own dress, and Harry's dress to be thought of; and the garden to be trimmed, and the trunķs to be packed-Oh heavens! the joy of much loving! But, oh! the pain!
"Well, Sir, all was ready, and we rejoiced that time had been given us to complete every thing; but now it was all listening and watching; every sound of a wheel that was heard approaching, every coach that passed through the
