One of her brothers was also dead; he had left daughter, my wife had always been attached, though she was very young when we left Henrietta Bodmer was now sixteen, and, Mr Horner assured us, most amiable girl My wife wished much her

Ernest leave Mr Horner moment, so delighted to meet with one so eminently skilful favourite science Astronomy made them such friends, that Mr Horner petitioned me to allow him my son to Europe, promising to bring him back himself in few years great trial , but that his taste for science required larger field than our island His mother was reluctant to part , but consoled herself with notion, that he might bring his cousin Henrietta back

Many tears were shed at our parting; indeed, the grief mother was so intense, that my son seemed almost inclined up his inclination; but Mr Horner made some observations transit of Venus, so interesting that Ernest resist He left us, promising to bring us back everything we wished for mean time Captain Krusenstern left us good supply of powder, provisions, seeds, and some capital tools, great delight of Fritz and Jack They regretted their brother greatly, but diverted their minds from sorrow by application to mechanics, assisted intelligent Parabéry already succeeded in constructing, near the cascade, corn-mill and saw-mill, built oven

We miss Ernest Though his taste for study withdrew him , and not so useful as his brothers, his calm and considerate advice often of value, mildness always spread charm over our circle, in joy or in trouble

Except this little affliction, very happy Our labours are divided regularly Fritz and Jack manage the Board of Works opened passage rock which divided us other side island; thus doubling our domain riches same time, they formed dwelling for Madame Hirtel near our own, same excavation rock Fritz took great pains with it; the windows are made of oiled paper instead of glass; but we usually assemble large work-room, lighted

Francis charge flocks and poultry, all greatly increased , I preside over the grand work of agriculture The two mothers, their two daughters, and Canda, manage the garden, spin, weave, take care clothes, and attend to household matters Thus we all work, and everything prospers Several families natives, pupils of Mr Willis, have obtained leave, through him, to join us, settled at Falcon's Nest, and Farm These people assist us cultivation ground, dear missionary cultivation souls Nothing is wanting to complete our happiness but the return of dear Ernest

POSTSCRIPT TWO YEARS AFTER

now as happy desire,--our son is returned According to my wishes, he had made out Captain Johnson and Lieutenant Bell, our first visitors, whom the storm had driven , but who were still determined us again My son found them preparing for another voyage South Seas He at once seized the opportunity of accompanying them, impatiently desirous to revisit the island, and to bring Henrietta Bodmer, now become his wife simple, amiable Swiss girl, who suits us well, and delighted once more her kind aunt, now become her mother

My wife is overjoyed; her first daughter-in-law, but Jack and Francis, as Sophia and Matilda, are growing up; and moreover, my dear wife, who has great ideas of married happiness, hopes to induce Emily to consent united to Fritz same time as her daughters are married Fritz would feel all the value change; his character is already softened by her society, and though few years older than , blessed with all the vivacity of youth Mr Willis approves union, and live to solemnize the three marriages Ernest and Henrietta inhabit the Grotto Ernestine, which his brothers fitted up as very tasteful dwelling They had even, to gratify their brother, raised rock above the grotto sort of observatory, where the telescope is mounted, to enable him his astronomical observations Yet I perceive his passion for exploring distant planets is less strong, since he has to attach him

this conclusion journal to Captain Johnson, into Europe, added former part If readers be anxious for further particulars respecting our colony mode of life, let him set out Happy Island; warmly welcomed, and may join in Ernest's chorus, which we now sing with additional pleasure,--

All we love around us smile, Joyful is our Desert Isle