I assured them forgiveness, and my cordial approbation manly and useful enterprise; and made Ernest happy by declaring should always be called the Grotto Ernestine

"Thanks all, my dear children," said I; "your dear mamma will now prefer Tent House to Falcon's Nest, and no occasion to risk breaking limb in descending the winding staircase assist you to enlarge the opening, and as leave it all the simplicity of natural grotto, soon be ready "

We all set to work; Jack carried away the loosened stones and rubbish, and formed benches on each side the grotto With what had fallen outside, he also made two seats front rock, and before evening all was complete Fritz ascended to unfasten the ladder, and to convey it by an easier road to Tent House; he then rejoined us, and we returned to our castle air, henceforward only looked on as pleasure-house We resolved, however, to establish here, had done at our farm, colony cattle, which increased daily: we had now number of young cows, which were most useful support We wished, however, for female buffalo, milk animal makes excellent cheese Conversing future plans, we soon reached home, and found all well

* * * * *

CHAPTER XLII

we completed the Grotto Ernestine It contained some stalactites; but not as our former grotto , however, beautiful block of salt, which resembled white marble, Ernest formed sort of altar, supported by four pillars, he placed pretty vase of citron-wood, which he had turned himself, and he arranged beautiful erica which the cause discovering the grotto one occasions when his feelings overcame his natural indolence, when he became for time the most active four, and brought forward all his resources, which were many This indolence was merely physical; when not excited by any sudden circumstance, or by some fancy which soon assumed the character of passion, he loved ease, and to enjoy life tranquilly in study He improved his mind continually, by his excellent memory, as by natural talent and application He reflected, made experiments, and was always successful He had at last succeeded in making his mother very pretty bonnet He had also composed some verses, which were intended to celebrate her visit to Tent House; and this joyful day being at last fixed, the boys all went over, the evening before, their preparations The flowers storm had spared were gathered to ornament the fountains, the altar, table, on placed an excellent cold dinner, entirely prepared Fritz supplied and roasted the game,--a fine bustard, the flesh resembles turkey, and brace of partridges Ernest brought pines, melons, and figs; Jack supplied the fish, but was able only to procure oysters, crabs, and turtles' eggs Francis had the charge dessert, which consisted of dish of strawberries, honeycomb, cream cocoa-nut I had contributed bottle of Canary wine, that drink mamma's health All was arranged on table middle Franciade_, and my sons returned to accompany the expedition

The morning was beautiful, sun shone brightly emigration My wife was anxious to set out, expecting she to return to her a๋rial dwelling Though her leg and foot were better, she still walked feebly, and she begged us to harness the cow and ass cart, and to lead them as gently as possible

" only go little way the first day," said she, "for not strong enough to visit Tent House yet "

quite convinced change her opinion when once in her litter I wished to carry her down the staircase; but she declined, and descended help arm door was opened, and she found herself once more open air, surrounded by her children, she thanked God, with tears of gratitude, for her recovery, and all his mercies Then the pretty osier carriage arrived They had harnessed the cow and young bull ; Francis answering docility of Valiant, provided he guided him himself Accordingly, mounted before, his cane hand, bow and quiver back, very proud mamma's charioteer My other three boys mounted on their animals, were ready before, the advanced guard, while I proposed , and watch over the whole My wife was moved even to tears, and cease admiring her new carriage, which Fritz and Jack presented to her as their own work Francis, however, boasted that he had carded the cotton soft cushion she was to sit, and I, that I had made it I then lifted her in, and she was seated Ernest came her new bonnet on her head, which greatly delighted her; of fine straw, and so thick and firm might even defend her rain But what pleased her most was, the shape worn Swiss peasants Canton of Vaud, where my dear wife had resided in her youth She thanked all her dear children, and felt so easy and comfortable in her new conveyance, that we arrived at Family Bridge without her feeling the least fatigue Here we stopped

"Would you like to cross here, my dear ? " said I; "and very near, look in at your convenient Tent House, where no staircase to ascend And like , too, approve management of your garden,"

" please," said she; " , so comfortable in my carriage, that were necessary, tour island like my house again; but so very hot season, that not stay long "

"But dine there, my dear mother," said Fritz; " too late to return to dinner at Falcon's Nest; consider, too, the fatigue it would occasion you "

" , indeed, my dear," said she; "but we to dine on ? prepared no provision, and all be hungry "

"What matter," said Jack, "provided you dine ? take your chance go and get some oysters, that not die with hunger;" and off he galloped buffalo Fritz followed him, on some pretence, on Lightfoot Mamma wished she had brought vessel to carry some water river, for she knew get none at Tent House Francis reminded her milk the cow, and she was satisfied, and enjoyed her journey much At last we arrived colonnade My wife was dumb with wonder for some moments

"Where am I, and what do ? " said she, when speak

" the Franciade_, mamma," said her little boy; "this beautiful colonnade was my invention, to protect you heat; stay, read written above: Francis dear mother May this colonnade, called the Franciade, be to her temple of happiness Now mamma, lean on me, and come my brothers' gifts--much better than mine;" and he led her to Jack's pavilion, who was standing fountain He held shell hand, which he filled with water, and drank, saying, " health Queen Island; may she have no more accidents, and live as long as her children ! Long live Queen Elizabeth, and may she come every day to Jackia_, to drink her son Jack's health "

I supported my wife, and was almost affected as herself She wept and trembled with joy and surprise Jack and Ernest then joined their hands, and carried her other pavilion, where Fritz was waiting to receive her, same scene of tenderness ensued "Accept this pavilion, dear mother," said he; "and may Fritzia ever make on Fritz "

The delighted mother embraced them all, and observing Ernest's name was not commemorated by any trophy, thanked him again for her beautiful bonnet She then drank delicious water fountain, and returned to seat herself repast, another surprise for her We all made an excellent dinner; and dessert, I handed my Canary wine round in shells; and then Ernest rose and sung us very prettily, to familiar air, some little verses he had composed:--

festive happy day, pour our grateful lay; Since Heaven has hush'd our mother's pain, And given her to her sons again Then quiet, lovely home Never, never, may we roam All we love around us smile: Joyful is our desert isle

When o'er our mother's couch we bent, Fervent prayers to Heaven we sent, And God has spared that mother dear, To bless her happy children here Then quiet, lovely home, Never, never, may we roam; All we love around us smile, Joyful is our desert isle

We all joined chorus, and none of us thought ship, of Europe, or of anything that was passing The island was our universe, and Tent House was palace have exchanged for any the world contained one happy days that God grants us sometimes on earth, to an idea bliss of Heaven; and most fervently did we thank Him, end repast, for all his mercies and blessings