The party to which we have alluded, consisted of the Earl of
Derwentwater, a noble looking gentleman, who, apparently had but just
spent the prime of life,--his fair niece, Mary Hamilton, a stately and
beautiful girl, about twenty-three years of age,--Arthur Huntington and
his twin brother, Henry--a huge red headed but fat and good natured son
of the 'Emerald Isle,' who acted in the capacity of servant to the earl,
and last, though by no means least, a beautiful golden haired, cherry
cheerful nymph of fourteen, whom for the sake of a name we shall call
Ellen Armstrong.

After having rambled about for a short space of time, the earl and his
fair niece suddenly encountered each other on the brow of a rising
eminence, when the latter then accosted her companion:

'Dear uncle, this lovely island seems to me, like a miniature paradise,
wherein I could always wish to live as long as the precious boon of life
should be granted unto me.'

'I declare, Mary,' replied the earl, as a slight smile passed over his
noble countenance, 'you appear to be an enthusiast in every thing. I
grant, that this is a beautiful spot, yet not to be compared in my
estimation, even for a moment, with my lovely park near London, in merry
old England.'

'But, you forget, dear uncle,' replied Mary Hamilton, 'that our English
parks are not now what they once were.'

'How so, Mary, do not the staunch old oaks, grow to a height as lofty as
of yore?'