in front of his shop. The long tails of his thread-bare over-coat were flying all ways, and he looked like a great hideous owl lost in the night.

When Jedd threw open the door, he started back.

There, in the middle of the shop, just where the spectral grave sprang up yearly, lay a pallcovered coffin, the gas going out, and the boy gone! The place seemed chilly and damp like a vault, and Jedd shivered so, that the snowflakes flew from him in every direction, like sparks from a scissor-grinder's grind-stone. The stiffness in his knees gave out, and he supported himself against the counter.

Now one of those changes came over Jedd Pallfry which happen to us all at times, and for which philosophy's self cannot account. With resolute and fearless steps he approached the coffin and lifted the pall. The light, which seemed to brighten up a little, fell aslant on Tom sleeping. The strange young face, shaded by tangled curls of nut-brown hair, and lacking the soft influence of his closed eyes, was almost wild in its beauty. The parted lips ssemed

ready to speak, but they moved not; the eyelids twitched, but were not lifted and he lay a double picture-Life and Death!

Jedd started, but not with fear. He felt something trembling, throbbing, warming in his bosom. It was only his heart melting! The nature and humanity of the man had broken their fetters like reeds, and the love which had lain in a trance for a dozen years, rose up within him, and would be heard! His heart knew the little stranger in the coffin, and he bent over him with a tenderness that belongs to woman.

66

Only speak to me!" cried Jedd, hoarse with emotion; "only say if you are Nanny's child!"

"Nanny, Nanny," said the boy, dreamily. "Is some one calling my mother?"

The old man said not a word at this, but knelt down by the coffin and wept.

When I have said that terrible dreams and strange visions never haunted Jedd Pallfry after that night, I have said all. So is my story done.

HANOVER SQUARE. A Magazine of New Copyright Music. (London: Ashdown and Parry, Hanover Square.)-Those of our readers who have not already made themselves acquainted with this valuable monthly should do so as soon as possible. When we say that the December number contains a delicious "Notturno" by E. Silas, a song by Virginia Gabriel, a pianoforte piece by Wilhelm Kuhe, and a song the music of which is by M. W. Balfe-that it is edited by Lindsay Sloper, and printed in the clearest music-type, and that in price it runs

on all-fours with our most popular literary magazines, our friends will comprehend its value. This second number more than supports the reputation of its first appearance. The "Notturno" alone would do that; and the sweet words of Elizabeth B. Browning, "Change upon change," could not find a more sympathetic interpreter of their pathos in melody than Virginia Gabriel. Kuhe's vivacious "Gipsy Revel" is quite a gem in brilliancy and sparkle; and Calder Clarke's song, "Though age be like December," is charmingly arranged.

G. G.-We are at all times glad to encourage young writers who exhibit promise in their productions. Our correspondent will perceive that we have accorded his wish. The purest simplest Saxon is the best language in which to write for children. Guard Bridge."-The article shall appear in February, and the author is thanked for her favour. "An Episode in the Life of Bonaparte."-We have communicated with G. P. "Herbert-street."--We have received A. J.'s letter. Many thanks for it and the promised manuscript.

"The Golden Sheaf."-The volume has come to hand so late in the month (the last day on which copy is received) that we find it impossible to give a notice in this number. It shall appear in our next. The Editor has our thanks.

As we intend to devote more space than hitherto to Reviews, it is requested that books, music, &c., be sent by the 10th of each month to ensure a notice in the following part.

MSS.-All manuscripts intrusted to us shall be carefully read, and, if not suitable, returned to the writer, on the receipt of postage-stamps for the

purpose.