May we not indeed say with the psalmist David, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handy-work :" and when we view the immense expanse filled with His creation, and look at our little world, once the habitation of Him, who “for our sakes became poor," shall we not with the same writer say, "When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon, and the stars which Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that Thou visitest him?

All the young people seemed to feel the remark of their dear friend, and remained silent and thoughtful; until little Lucy cried out,

'O, mamma, I see the gate; look, there is light in the nursery window, ah! I fear dear little William is asleep."

The iron gate opened as the carriage approached; the whole family at the lodge came out, with bows and curte

sies, to welcome the return of parents and children. Little William was looked at with affection, while lying asleep in his cot.

In a short time all the travellers partook of a light supper, and were soon wrapt in a sound and refreshing sleep, which the fatigue of journeying for two days ensured to them.

CONVERSATION XXXII.

THE CARNATIONS.

NEXT morning, before the before the family had assembled in the breakfast room, the servant told Mary, that Susan Benson waited at the door, and asked if she might see her. When Mary had obtained leave to go to Susan, she found her standing with a small basket of fresh eggs in her hand, which was ornamented with carnations and jasmines.

Susan blushed and curtesied ;- O Miss, said she, I am very glad you are all come home again, I have brought a few fresh eggs; mother says, may be ye would be so kind as take them from me; they are all laid by our own hens; and the master and mistress and ye all

might like them for breakfast, after your journey; and I made bold to bring you a little basket, I learned to make since you went away.'

Thank you, Susan, said Mary ;-the eggs do look very nice indeed, but this basket is beautiful, and these carnations are the finest I ever saw, where did you get them?'

'From our own garden, Miss; mother allows me to put flowers round the edge of the beds of cabbage, and I had many kinds this year, but these are the first carnations I have gathered; I would not pull one until you came home.'

Mary thanked Susan, and after inquiring after her mother and little brother, she took leave of her, carrying her pretty little basket into the breakfast parlour.

'Mamma, if you please, do look at what I have here; some eggs for you and papa, and a very pretty basket with flowers for me, and all from Susan

Benson; she made the basket, and she planted and took care of the flowers.'

After every one present had admired the basket and the flowers, Mary asked her mamma, how these carnations were made to grow so large, and if they were found growing wild in any country.

These carnations, my dear,' said her mamma, are made so fine by cultivation and care; this is not the natural state of the flower; you may observe they have neither pistil nor anther, consequently they can have no seed, and can only be increased by parts taken off the plant, and put into the ground; which by being sheltered and watered, will produce roots, grow, and bear flowers.'

But, if you please, mamma, will you tell me where the plants grow, from which these are first taken; which with care become so fine in the garden.' 'Some kinds of these flowers grow wild