Mr. Hamilton was a happy man, once more seated in the midst of his family--fatigued, he retired early to rest; and, rising early in the morning, stood at his window to enjoy the beauty of a magnificent sunrise. While quietly looking upon the scene, he thought that he heard the sound of very low, sweet music; for a moment, it ceased; and he thought that he must have been mistaken; but again it swelled out in deep rich chords of melody, accompanied by a charming voice--it seemed very near, certainly in the next room. Opening the door, what was his surprise to see Madeline, in her night-dress, seated at a harp, performing most delightfully, and singing a song of welcome for her father. He listened in delighted silence until the close, then exclaimed, "Why, my daughter! what does all this mean? How in the world did you accomplish all this without my knowledge?" "It was commenced in Boston, papa; and during your absence, I have applied myself diligently, determined to surprise you." "Well, truly! I think that the fairies must have been very busy, Maddy, both with you and me." "Why with you, dear papa? Have you been learning too, without my knowledge?" "You will know to-day what I mean, dear; but really, you could have done nothing that could have pleased me better, than this pleasant surprise." Mr. Hamilton seemed to be very frequently at the front door, watching evidently for an arrival; at length, Madeline's curiosity to know what was coming, was about to be satisfied, for a wagon turned into the avenue, bringing a very large and singularly-shaped packing-box. It was brought into the house and soon opened, when, to Madeline's surprise, an elegant French harp appeared. Throwing her arms around her father's neck she exclaimed, "Thank you, dear, dear, papa; this is just what I wanted! How in the world did you know it?" "Did I not tell you, Maddy, that the fairies must have been very busy? But, candidly, I have always intended that you should study my favorite instrument, and have brought you one of the finest that I could obtain in Paris." "Is it not delightful that I have been taking lessons, papa? Now I can send away the old harp, and have my own." For some weeks, Madeline was busily occupied with her beautiful instrument; but Mr. Hamilton was obliged to yield at last to the conviction, that he must part for a few years with his darling child, if she was ever to be properly educated for the sphere in which she was destined to move, for, under the weak guidance of Aunt Matilda, that could never be.