Deverel here whispered Rayland,

"Will not clean shoes be out of character?

had Robin Hood such fancies?"

The woman continued,

"The gentlemen would want their clothes brushed; her Jacob was used to such work, though he was such a mere boy. Indeed she could not leave them; they must all go, or she must remain and attend the other gentlemen ; but if they all went, there were several women who would do duty in her absence."

This was decided to their mutual satisfaction, and it was agreed, to prevent a break-up of the party from whim, or any other cause save illness, that any one who left the rendezvous for any motive save as before stated (illness), should forfeit the sum of two hundred pounds, except Sir Arthur Clifford and the Honorable Reginald Trevallian, who, being both independent and possessed of large fortunes, were to have their forfeiture increased to one thousand pounds if they left the forest party before the expiration of

two months from the time of their reaching the destined place;-where that was, they had not yet decided. At length, after much consultation, it was settled that they should quit London on that day week, and take up their abode at the seat of Delaval, where they could easily fix on some suitable dell or dingle to erect their tents, and breathe the cool air for which they were languishing.

Three days after this arrangement, Walter Rayland entered the breakfast-room where his mother and sister were sitting, in the full fancy dress of a forester. The habit of Lincoln green, with buff boots, lace falling collar, and hunter's hat with feathers, belt and bugle, were all in keeping, and were most becoming; so thought Walter Rayland, and so thought his brother foresters, who were at the same time engaged in a similar examination at their respective dwellings.

Walter's mother and sister regarded him with admiration, while Flora exclaimed,

Upon my word, Walter, you really do not

look amiss!"

"Is that all you can say? I fancied myself superlative."

66

And pray to what fancy ball are you proceeding at this early hour?"

"To none, mother; you know I hate such things."

"Then why have you 'donned this attire?'" "Because I am going to turn forester while this infernal heat lasts."

"And where-in the Regent's Park or Kensington Gardens?"

"In forest dell, and dingle green,

Where sweetly sleeps the Fairy Queen,"

replied Walter, in a theatrical voice and attitude.

"When have done with this frolic, pray

you

leave her Elfin Majesty where you find her; bring none of such a frisky race here, Walter," said his mother, laughing.

"Why, would you not receive her? Only

think what a 'lion' she would be at your next party!"

"A small attraction, if legends speak truth; but I am not like mamma, Walter; I should like to see her, with her diamond tiara and silver wings; only they must be so small, I fear we should want magnifiers. Pray when do you commence your tour to fairy land?”

Next Thursday, and you will not see me again for two long months; that will not cause you much sorrow or care; but, Flora, there is a certain Mr. Trevallian, who is likewise bent on wooing Queen Mab; I give you warning, that you may prepare the willow."

"Mr. Trevallian has my full permission to fall in love as much as may please him; be it with sprite or sylph, it is all one to Flora Rayland."

“I wonder, Mother, you do not bring up your daughter with some regard to veracity; but good bye-one kiss, and I'm off. I have spoken to my father; he does not object to my

frolic; he took the liberty of laughing though, which was not quite polite; but he promised to keep my secret, so mind you do the same; and, Flora, Queen Mab shall not run away with anybody but myself."

"But I thought you were not going till Thursday?"

"I am first bound to Beechwood-Delaval's place. Oh, I forgot; we are not to mention where we fix our camps; so, remember and be silent respecting our destination. Once more, good bye."

On the first of August, three large commodious tents were raised in a retired part of the New Forest, but within four miles of a markettown, for the convenience of procuring food and other necessaries. Besides the cart containing the marquees, there was a waggon, loaded with tables, and other requisites in the furniture way, not forgetting large reclining chairs, much to the amusement of Sir Arthur Clifford, who was infinitely entertained by the ideas conceived of a