BRIGHT PLANS AND PICTURES.

SOME weeks passed; Axel was seldom seen in society; Rosa never. They devoted themselves wholly and entirely to the sick Baroness; and yet this time appeared to them neither long nor tedious. They found each day more pleasure in each other's society.

Under their care the Baroness soon recovered, and finally was sufficiently well to think about a summer journey to some foreign watering-place for the restoration of her shattered health. Her physicians strongly recommended this plan. Physicians generally recommend journeys to the baths, and in so doing they are right.

By the couch of the invalid every thought, and all the talk, was now about the journey; where they

should go and when they should set out. Their

plans grew and developed; and, finally, it was settled that they should go to one of the German baths; visit Paris, then Switzerland, then Italy; and remain abroad for twelve months. The Baroness begged that Rosa would accompany her in this journey. She would pay half the expenses; the other half Rosa herself could pay. For Rosa had an independent fortune.

Rosa's heart beat high with delight at this proposal and with these prospects, so tempting to a young mind thirsting for knowledge and full of life-enjoyment. But what would her father think of it? Would he not be fearful of her aunt's and cousin's influence upon her during the long time, when they would compose, as it were, one family, and that in a foreign land? Nor was Rosa herself without uneasiness when she thought of this influence, and she resolved to call upon her father to decide for her.

"If," wrote she-" if you, my father, should look upon this journey with displeasure, or should consider that it may be injurious to me, or if you would like to have me near you, oh, then, say merely

one word and I will give it up most willingly, most willingly, and return home to you! Do you be my clear-seeing eye, my higher conscience on this subject, the attraction of which is so fascinating, so great for me, that I am afraid of not looking at it with full clearness and consideration. I leave the decision in your hands, my father; your decision alone can make me calm and truly satisfied-of this I am sure, let decide as

you may.

you

"Be now, therefore, as you have hitherto been, a fatherly Providence for

"Your happy, obedient daughter,

"ROSA NORRBY."

To this letter she soon received the following

answer:

"I could not forgive myself," wrote Professor Norrby, "if, for any private fear of my own, or any want which I might find from your absence, I should oppose a journey which would be to you so rich in enjoyment and so advantageous in many respects. I have not educated you for the noble

lot of freedom and self-responsibility, and yet, in cowardly fear, pull you back whenever dangers approach. I trust that you can see them yourself, and overcome them too. Take this journey, therefore, my daughter. Receive into your soul the great and the beautiful which the earth offers to you; it is your right as a human being, if no duty interposes. The expense of the journey must not be any impediment. I shall be able, in the course of the year, to do something extra to meet this outlay; therefore there will be no need for you to touch your little capital.

66

'Write to me as often as you can, and let me participate in the impressions which you receive during your visit to new countries and their new modes of life; it will be a refreshment to me.

66 Remember what we have read and talked of together, and do not forget how precious you are to "Your father and friend,

"SEVERIN NORRBY."

Rosa kissed these lines with heartfelt emotion

and joy, and hastened to communicate their purport

to her aunt and cousin; and from this moment she gave herself up with entire enjoyment to the dreams and anticipations which the prospect of this journey gave rise to.

Most of our readers can imagine to themselves the life which now succeeded in Rosa's little circle; how maps were brought forth and roads pointed out and traced with finger, pen, penknife, or whatever instrument came to hand; how guide books were consulted; how plans were formed and altered for tours and detours, hither and thither, on the journey, in order that everything might be seen; how travelling dresses were examined and prepared; how every conversation bore upon the great journey and preparations for it.

And thus approached the end of May, and the

time for the journey was at hand. and sunshine throughout the house.

All was life

Axel was in

the very best temper; so was his mother. Rosa's only uneasiness was caused by her not having received letters from home for some time; but with every post-day she hoped for home news. In the meantime the preparations for the journey went