"And poor Margaret is saved!" added she, throwing her arms round her sister's neck, and kissing and caressing her. I hardly knew whether to laugh or to cry. "Then, I suppose, I may congratulate you?" said I, forcing a laugh, and looking, I have no doubt, very like a fool. You may so," replied Arthurine. "This morning Mr Moreland begged permission to transfer his addresses from Margaret to your very humble servant." "And you?"-- "We naturally, in consideration of the petitioner's many amiable qualities, have promised to take the request into our serious consideration. For decorum's sake, you know, one must deliberate a couple of days or so." "Are you in jest or earnest, Arthurine?" "Quite in earnest, Howard." "Farewell, then!" "'Fare-thee-well! and if for ever Still for ever fare-thee-well!'" said Arthurine, in a half-laughing, half-sighing tone. The next instant I had left the room. On the stairs I met the beturbaned Mrs Bowsends, who led the way mysteriously into the parlour. "You have seen Arthurine?" said she. "What a dear, darling child!--is she not? Oh! that girl is our joy and consolation. And Mr Moreland--the charming Mr Moreland! Now that things are arranged so delightfully, we can let Margaret have her own way a little." "What I have heard is true, then?" said I. "Yes; as an old friend I do not mind telling you--though it must still remain a secret for a short time. Mr Moreland has made a formal proposal to Arthurine." I do not know what reply I made, before flinging myself out of the room and house, and running down the street as if I had just escaped from a lunatic asylum. "Richards," cried I to my friend, "shall we start tomorrow?" "Thank God!" exclaimed Richards. "So you are cured of the New York fever? Start! Yes, by all means, before you get a relapse. You must come with me to Virginia for a couple of months." "I will so," was my answer. As we were going down to the steam-boat on the following morning, Staunton overtook us, breathless with speed and delight. "Wish me joy!" cried he. "I am accepted!" "And I jilted!" replied I with a laugh. "But I am not such a fool as to make myself unhappy about a woman." Light words enough, but my heart was heavy as I spoke them. Five minutes later, we were on our way to Virginia. * * * * * HYDRO-BACCHUS.