“While they were engaged in music, Clare retired to superintend some domestic duty, and the colonel falling asleep, Emma and Lawrence were left alone, and proceeding towards the windows looking into the gardens, she stood nervously pulling the curtains and thus began, rather seriously:— “‘You must not joke Clare to-day, Lawrence. _I_ heard you, if I _was_ making a noise at the piano. She was not well this morning. She has had unpleasant visitors, and it surprises me she is half so gay as she is. I don’t know what it is, but I think it was an old beau that displeased her; he insisted upon escorting her home, and after he went away she seemed very much vexed and annoyed.’ “‘That is easily accounted for: perhaps she is partial to him, and it is but natural she should feel annoyed at his hurried departure.’ “‘Nonsense, Edward; you _know_ she has no such liking, or I should have discovered it long ago. It was a Captain Redgill, one of your old students, living now in Birmingham; you must know him well, and judging from his looks at parting, I’m sure his visit could not have proved very satisfactory or pleasant. What makes you look so solemn?’ “Lawrence _did_ remember Redgill; he had occasion for never forgetting him, and remembering the past, he blushed scarlet. “‘Nothing, Lady Bray. I was only thinking of a presentiment that has disturbed me all the morning, and which continually recurs, that _some mischief will befal me ere midnight_.’ GIVEN AWAY!! SCENES, SHEETS OF CHARACTERS, AND A LARGE STAGE FRONT FOR A NEW PLAY, CALLED “ALONE IN THE PIRATES’ LAIR.” _READ THE “BOYS OF ENGLAND,”_ AND SECURE THE ABOVE MAGNIFICENT GIFTS. ONE PENNY WEEKLY. [Illustration: THE MURDER IN THE WOOD.—_See Number 17._] “‘What mischief _can_ befal you here? Oh! how silly, Edward; if I had made such a speech, you’d have laughed at me. Why, even good cousin, with her wonderful ghost stories, would smile at you talking of ‘presentiments.’ “‘Still, such is the fact, Lady Bray, and, if it must be confessed, I am very much depressed at moments.’ “‘Oh, what a fine fellow to be a captain of cadets! Why, if I were a man, I’d fear nothing. Oh, Clare, do come here; here’s Lawrence discoursing of presentiments, and is certain that something very horrible is about to happen to him!’ “‘Well, think as you may, cousin,’ said Clare, ‘I myself rose with forebodings of coming unpleasantness this morning; and it has come strictly true.’ “‘Forebodings, Clare! Well, I know that a gentleman called to day. I hope it was _that_. It couldn’t have been so very unpleasant, judging from his animated appearance when escorting you home; but both of you appear to agree so well upon the subject of presentiments, I shall stroll in the garden and allow you to discuss its merits at full.’