Selina had returned to her own home; but it had been arranged that Matilda and she were to be early at Woodlands on May morning, to accompany Leila to the village, that they might all be there when the queen was chosen. Leila’s own repose was also somewhat broken on the eve of this eventful day, and having risen early, dressed herself and offered up her prayer and grateful praise, she seated herself at the open window to watch for the expected summons. The morning breeze blew softly on her blooming cheek, her whole heart was full of sweet emotions; again there was joy to her in every rural sight and sound. Often she listened eagerly, and fancied she could hear the joyful hum of many voices from the distant village. Again she listened; was it the sound of distant music she heard? It went, and came again, and she could now hear distinctly a chorus of youthful voices rising on the passing breeze, and could distinguish at intervals, wending their way through the wood, a group of the village children, dressed in white, carrying garlands and green boughs. As they emerged into the open lawn, the group divided, and she saw, surrounded by this youthful band, her beautiful Selim, led by Charles, and followed by Mina, Selina, and Matilda. Selim was decked with flowers, and on the pretty saddle-cloth was placed the crown. They all advanced, still singing; and, in breathless surprise, Leila listened to the following words:-- “The sun has risen on high With bright and cheerful ray, To greet with loving eye Our Leila, queen of May! “The little birds of air Join in our simple lay, To greet thee, lady fair, Our gentle queen of May! “The sweetest flowers of spring Bloom round thy path to-day, A woodland wreath we bring, To crown thee queen of May! “Bright sun, gay birds, fair flowers, Speak not alone to-day, From these full hearts of ours, We hail thee, queen of May!” Yes, with the universal assent of all their loving hearts, Leila was chosen queen of the May! Wreathed with garlands, she was soon seated on her beautiful favourite, and the procession wound its way, the children singing and scattering flowers, to the village green; there, all unknown to her, her papa, and all the elders of the party were assembled, and under the Maypole was placed the throne, where, amidst all she loved, and cheers from old and young, was Leila crowned and proclaimed Queen of the May! “Did I no’ aye tell ye that peerless jewel o’ a bairn was fit to grace a crown?” was Peggy Dobie’s observation. THE END. * * * * * PUBLISHED BY C. S. FRANCIS & CO., NEW YORK. [Illustration] MOTHER GOOSE’S MELODIES.