It was summer, and a multiflora rose-vine, which extended over the front of the parsonage, was then in full flower; while, as we mounted the steps, I distinguished through the green blind door glimpses of a pleasant-looking garden beyond.  We entered the back parlor, where sat Mrs. Eylton attired for a walk, and surrounded by three children, all younger than myself.  The minister’s lady did not appear quite so formidable on a close survey; though the aspect of her countenance was by no means promising, as her eye fell upon us.

“Well, Jane,” she commenced, in the tone of one who felt herself injured, “you have kept me waiting some time—­how is this?  Punctuality is a virtue very becoming in a young person.”

Jane looked exceedingly disconcerted at this address; but at length she replied, that “she could not get the children ready before.”

“The children!” repeated Mrs. Eylton; while, young as I was, I plainly read in her countenance, “What possessed you to bring them here?”

“Yes ma’am,” replied Jane, gathering more courage as she proceeded, “Mrs. Chesbury sent them with me to spend the afternoon.  She had no one to attend to them at home.”

In the meantime I became aware, as I glanced around the room, that the prospect for the afternoon promised very little amusement.  Mrs. Eylton soon after left us, telling Jane to be very careful that we got into no mischief; and, with, a feeling of disappointment, I saw the door close behind her.  In my scenting of the apartment I became very much struck with the appearance of a curious looking little work-stand, containing three small drawers.  Immediately my imagination was at work upon their contents; and I determined, if possible, to satisfy my curiosity.  Mrs. Eylton had departed without making any provision for our amusement, and I saw no reason why I should not examine the drawers—­especially if I handled things carefully, and put them all back again.  Probably they were in disorder, and then what a pleasant surprise it would be for Mrs. Eylton to find them all neatly arranged on her return!

Jane now proposed walking in the garden; and to avoid suspicion, I joined the party for the present.  There were a great many flower-beds, very prettily laid out; and at the end of a wide path stood a pleasant little summer-house, half-buried in vines.  We established ourselves there, from whence we could view the whole garden; and with a pretence of looking again at the flowers, I soon made my escape, and returned to the house.  A wide glass-door opened from the back room into the garden, and carefully closing this, I approached the table and attempted to open the drawers.  I tried the first one,—­it was locked; the second,—­and met with no better success.  Almost in despair, I placed my hands on the third, and that finally yielded to my efforts.  I beheld heterogeneous rows of pins, papers of needles, &c., and was about to shut it in disappointment, when my