Welsh Journals

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128 WHAT CANNOT LOVE DO. "Yes," was the answer, " but the coachman must judge." " All right," responded Larry, and soon they were off. " Where to ?" asked the coachman, bending low to the front window. " Highgate. I am house-hunting, so look out for boards." They went to Highgate, from thence to Hampstead, from thence to Kew, and finally to Richmond and Surbiton, Larry exploring every likely "house and garden, but finding none to satisfy his exacting demands. For the place was to be just sufficiently large, and no more. He did not want " grounds," but a good-sized garden. The position must be elevated, commanding a fine prospect, but so well sheltered that any and everything would grow. It must be old, but perfectly sound, with excellent drainage and pure water. However, after a couple more days had been thus expended, he found it necessary to moderate his expectations; and then discovered at Twickenham a very pretty and picturesque villa, with a garden that had been the study of the last occupiers for above twenty years to fill with the choicest low trees, shrubs, and hardy flowers. These surrounded in varying groups or masses a bold stretch of green lawn in the centre, directly con¬ nected at one part with a conservatory, and, through wide windows opening to the ground, with the drawing-room and a .charming little boudoir beyond. Then his furniture came, and every spare hour was thence¬ forward given by Larry to the business of making the interior -of the dwelling worthy of the garden. And when at last all was accomplished, and he saw nothing more to do or wish for inside or out, he sighed to think, " How useless it may all be!" For Larry's three steps, so long and so deeply cherished in the secrecy of his heart, were now to have their value determined. He had an honourable and well-paid vocation. He had a home not unworthy even of such a wife as he sought. And he was ready again to seek her and her father, for he had a fortnight for an autumn holiday at his disposal. Nothing could be more complete and satisfactory, if only he had known where to go. But, unfortunately, that fact was still wanting. Suppose he reversed his former proceedings, and instead of seeking the places where she might possibly be, he sought the places to which he himself would like to go ? His chances could not be worse than before; they might be better. The fancy pleased, and he speedily shaped out his route. He had long desired to explore Wales, which he had learned from