We soon had everything packed, and I returned to FRED. Was ever anything so provoking? Instead of MR. BLISS and that TRUEPENNY, came two letters of apology. MR. BLISS had received a sudden call upon his attention that he must obey, but hoped to be allowed to see FRED and "his charming partner"--(and he'd thought nothing of making her a disconsolate widow!)--some day at _The Flitch_. As for MR. TRUEPENNY, he declared to FRED that "he had not the courage to meet his wife:" which I considered a very proper compliment to my spirit. I scarcely thought the man had as much remorse and proper feeling in him. And then he added--"P.S. I write this upon my knees, sending my contrition to your estimable partner; with an earnest prayer that, at some distant day, I may be permitted to approach her at her own fireside. Dinner is beyond my ambition as above my deserts: but, I trust, that after due time and penitence, I may hope to be called to the tea-table. May hope still lift up her azure eyes to muffins?" "I really don't see anything to laugh at," said I to FRED, who was mightily amused as he read the letter. And to say the truth I _was_ a little vexed. Because I had made my mind up to show FRED how forgivingly I could behave--and then to be disappointed of the opportunity _was_ vexing. However, we lunched alone; paid the bill; and--shall I ever forget how I jumped into the carriage? I seemed to have wings!--and away we trundled homewards--homewards! _Home._ I fairly cried with happiness when I crossed the threshold. When I dropt in my chair at my fireside, I felt like the happiest Queen upon her throne. How beautiful, too, everything looked! There seemed a bloom, a brightness upon everything in the house; whilst the garden was glowing, brimming with flowers; all of them nodding at me, as I thought, a welcome. What a house-warming we've had! And I never can complain of the smallness of the house after such a party! A hundred and fifty, and still plenty of room for _Roger de Coverley_. Mamma danced with TRUEPENNY who--the foolish fellow!--would go upon his knees on the hearth, and drink a glass of champagne in honour, as he said, of the household gods. We've had merriment enough almost for a life! I begin to be afraid of so much happiness--can it last? _May 1, Twenty-ninth return of Wedding Day._ Thankful, grateful, for all blessings! Happiness has continued; happiness the purest and best, for--as dear, dear FRED says--the happiness was ever home-made. * * * * * BRITISH BLACK SLAVERY. LORD PALMERSTON has furnished the Women of America with a new answer to the Women of England. The American ladies say that now the Smoke Nuisance Bill has passed, we cannot blame the States for their Runaway Negro Act, inasmuch as we ourselves have made a law to prevent the escape of the Blacks. * * * * * VERY LIKE A WHALE.