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If you were here, darling, I should say “I am blest,”—I'm blest if I shouldn't; for as a Bostonian would say of the modern Athens, "you are the hub of the universe." There's not another like you extant. I shall be home in a

day or two. Won't say when, as I mean to take you by surprise. Much love, and a thousand kisses from your true wife,

No.

PARK PLACE, NEW YORK, Sept. 16th, 18-.

MY DEAR WIFE,-I am delighted with your letter for two reasons: first, because you write as if you were in good spirits; second, because you say (and I believe you, pet) that you would be still happier if I were with you. Byron says "Happiness was born a twin," and he's quite right. At least it is certain that neither you nor I can be perfectly contented solus. If it didn't seem selfish, I should say, leave for home as soon as you receive this letter; I will try, however, to await your pleasure in this matter with exemplary patience, merely hinting, dearest, in the quietest way in the world, that if you don't return soon I shall have to go and fetch you.

With oceans of love for you, and kind regards to your friends, believe me always your fond husband,

HERBERT TRAVERS.

TO MRS. HERBERT TRAVERS, Lake George, New York.

From an absent Husband.

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, Aug. 2d, 18-.

MY DEAREST MAGGIE,-I don't think I shall ever again leave home in search of either health or pleasure without

you. I feel as lonely here, even in the midst of gay society, as Robinson Crusoe on his desotate island.

The story of the absent-minded man who, on arriving at the end of a day's journey from home for the first time, discovered that he had left something behind him, and on reflection remembered that it was his wife, will never be true of me. I have missed you every hour since we parted. How has it been with you, dearest? But I think I know. Let it rejoice your affectionate heart, to know that I shall be with you, probably, next week, and in the meantime shall think of you half the day, and dream of you all the night.

DEAR PHILIP,-Nobody can guess how much delight can be conveyed in a sheet of paper, who has not been blest with just such a letter as I received from you yesterday. So you are coming home, darling, forthwith. How my heart jumps for joy, when I think of it! Don't I love you, and don't you know it, and won't I pay up the long arrear of kisses I owe you when you return! Make haste to the arms of your expectant wife,

MARGARET MORTON.

TO PHILIP MORTON, ESQ., Niagara Falls, New York.

From a Young Lady at School to a Companion.

HILLSIDE ACADEMY, BOSTON, May 18th, 18-. DEAR LAURA, -Although delighted with the expectation of soon returning to my dear relatives at home, I assure

you I have been so happy and comfortable during my residence here, that a feeling of sadness oppresses me at the prospect of parting from so many kind friends, with but a vague and uncertain prospect of meeting them hereafter. How strange it seems that in a month I shall bid a final adieu to school, teachers, companions, and all the routine of educational duties! I anxiously hope my friends will be gratified with the progress I have made during this last session, for, though I am conscious of having wasted many precious hours, I have on the whole given much more attention than formerly to acquire substantial and valuable knowledge, from reflecting on the fact of my only remaining opportunity being about to pass away forever.

And now about myself! It is so long since we have seen each other that I fancy you to have grown from a mere girl to the full bloom of womanhood, and that you have become accustomed to the attentions and gallantries of the other sex. Well, that is a matter which interests, or is supposed to interest, all young ladies, so I will not tease you very much about the reports which have reached me touching one gentleman in particular; only you must tell me all about him, his age, appearance, stature, name, and anything else you choose. Allow me to inform you that I have made a fancy portrait of him, and I am anxious to compare the real with the ideal. I hope he is all you desire, and that your anticipations of happiness may eventually be more than realized. Believe me ever, dear Laura, Your affectionate companion, LUCY DAVENPORT.

TO MISS LAURA HARRIS, Trenton, N. J.

From a Young Lady at School, to a Former Companion.

AUBURNDALE SEMINARY, BOSTON, Dec. 16th, 18-.

DEAR AGNES,-Though it is near breaking-up time, I should feel distracted at leaving this delightful pince, were

It not for the expectation of beholding my dear mother, and of again meeting with so many beloved friends, none more so than yourself.

I hope I have made a good progress during this last term, as I know the anxiety of all my friends on the subject, and am too much indebted to them not to wish to make every exertion to gain their good opinion. My health has been excellent; indeed, this place is sufficient to preserve the most delicate in comparative comfort. In fact, had I not another home, I should scarcely wish ever to leave here.

But about yourself. I am so glad to hear that you are engaged; and won't I tease you when I come to town! I long to see the gentleman. Is he tall or short, raven or auburn, fair or dark, &c. &c. ? But, without joking on what is really a serious matter in a friend's happiness, I sincerely hope he is a good man, and one worthy the heart and hand of my dearest old school-mate. I well know that you possess all the charms of mind and person that can make any man happy; and that you may never be deceived in your choice, is my most earnest wish.

Believe me to remain, dear Agnes, with every prayer for your happiness,

Your affectionate friend,

LIZZIE METFORD.

TO MISS AGNES TRAVLYN, Madison Square, New York.

A Lady to her Friend, informing her of her intended Marriage. and engaging her as Bridesmaid.

"THE CEDARS," NEWARK, Sept. 18th, 18-. MY DEAR LUCY,-You have witnessed the attentions which have so long been paid to me by Mr. Irving, and are of course aware that he has addressed them to me in the quality of a suitor. I can assure you, it has not been with

out the closest scrutiny, both on my part and that of my dear parents, into his moral character, temper, tastes, and habits, that I have come to the resolution of becoming his partner for life. His disposition is cheerful; I know him to be a man of the nicest honor: and I rejoice to say, as I' have hitherto found, that we seldom fail to coincide in our opinions; which shows, at least, that we are actuated by such a unity of tastes as is calculated to give one every reasonable prospect of enjoying happiness in the married state. The day of our union has, at length, been decided; and the mention of this brings me to the chief purport of my letter, which is that of inviting you to become my bridesmaid. Allow me to promise myself this favor, which I am convinced you will not refuse after our long friendship. The 20th of October has been fixed upon as the auspicious day, upon which, if you have no other more particular engagement, may I rely on seeing you? An early reply, as you are aware, will be requisite; and trusting that it may be in compliance with my earnest wish, I Very sincerely your friend,

am

TO MISS LUCY REVERE, Union Square, New York.

CLARA KEMBLE.

The Answer, affirmatively, and with Congratulations to her Friend on her intended Marriage.

UNION SQUARE, NEW YORK, Sept. 20th, 18-. MY DEAR CLARA,-No one, I believe, can be more desirous to hear of your welfare and your prosperous settlement in the marriage state, than myself. I have long been sensible of your worth, your goodness of heart, your rectitude of principle, and your warmth of friendship. Enviable among men will be the lot of him who is destined to become your partner for life; and fortunate, indeed, was Mr. Irving in that introduction which first presented you