The sound proceeded from above. At first it was faint and
scarcely audible; presently it reached a louder key, and every eye
was cast up in expectation of beholding a face among the pendant
clusters. The strain was easily recognized, for it was no other
than that which Ariel is made to sing when finally absolved from
the service of the wizard.


In the Cowslips bell I lie,
On the Bat's back I do fly . . .
After summer merrily, &c.


Their hearts palpitated as they listened: they gazed at each
other for a solution of the mystery. At length the strain died
away at distance, and an interval of silence was succeded by an
earnest discussion of the cause of this prodigy. One supposition
only could be adopted, which was, that the strain was uttered by
human organs. That the songster was stationed on the roof of the
arbour, and having finished his melody had risen into the viewless
fields of air.

I had been invited to spend a week at this house: this period
was nearly expired when I received information that my aunt was
suddenly taken sick, and that her life was in imminent danger. I
immediately set out on my return to the city, but before my arrival
she was dead.

This lady was entitled to my gratitude and esteem; I had
received the most essential benefits at her hand. I was not