futurity press powerfully upon the mind. Duke Thassilo, I have bitterly repented the faults of my early years. It is Charlemagne who stands before you, who feels no more resentment, and who herewith begs your forgiveness. Let resentment be banished from your heart if you have still any such feeling towards me.”

A convulsive movement passed over the old man's face as Charlemagne announced himself; he then fell at the Emperor's feet, clasped his knees, and said, “I have greatly sinned against you, my lord and king! Reparation and deep penitence will be my atonement till death. When I heard of your arrival at the monastery my early life once more passed before me, but I then inwardly prayed to heaven for pardon. That I might have your forgiveness was my last earthly wish, the fulfilment of which has nów taken place, and will soothe my dying hour."

Overpowered by the extraordinary emotion, Thassilo sank down fainting. Charlemagne was deeply affected, and retired, ordering that the most careful attention should be paid to the monk.

Before his departure the next morning, the

Emperor wished once more to see Thassilo, and ask for his holy blessing. But the abbot informed him that during the night he had been taken to his rest, with his heart full of love and gentleness.

THE WONDERFUL FLOWER.

A FAIRY TALE.

SPRING had already caused the leaves and blossoms to burst forth. The birds

had returned from their distant wanderings, and flew, sang, and hopped about in the green wood as if they were greeting their native trees and shrubs, in which they were busily seeking a place where they might build their nests. A soft west wind stirred here and there a sunflower and caused its petals to open, and the flower looked bright and joyful, as if gazing at the wondrous beauty and freshness. Here and there a rosebud peeped forth from the green bower, and bright-coloured butterflies flew about amongst the fragrant blossoms. On such a lovely spring day we breathe more freely, and look trustfully up to our Father in heaven, and feel assured that He Who decks

the earth with such beauty will not fail to watch over and care for His children; and care and sorrow are chased away by such thoughts, like the light spring clouds on the azure sky.

The young party, however, who were on this day assembled in the meadow, knew nought as yet of care and sorrow. They sang and danced. about, as if vieing with the birds, and looked as bright and fresh as the young spring flowers. The party consisted of young girls from the ages of ten to twelve, who by their diligence and gentleness during the whole week had obtained permission from their governess to celebrate the return of Spring by dancing and playing in the meadow behind the garden, which they were now doing with the thorough enjoyment of children. Some were behind the green hedge, holding their breath in their anxiety to catch a glimpse of the progress of the little nests as the birds weighed down the twigs in going in and out. Others were engaged in making wreaths, in chasing each other, or in a hundred other merry games. Many hours had

already passed in this way.

Their governess

brought them new milk, and bread and honey, and no king could more enjoy his sumptuously

laden table than did these little visitors their simple entertainment; but no earthly king possessed so large and richly decorated a room or such cheerful music, for the birds were singing, and the little girls, too, with their clear youthful voices carolled many a joyful ballad. At last the meal was finished, and the young party ran towards a small hill at a little distance, and whoever first reached the spot was to have a most beautiful wreath.

"I must have the wreath," exclaimed Ida, one of the elder girls, and as quick as an arrow ran towards the hill. She was the first to reach the spot, and the fragrant flowers were placed on her curling hair, and her black eyes sparkled with joy. Ida was indisputably the prettiest of the children; but she thought a great deal of her own beauty, and of her superior dress, and not unfrequently looked with contempt on the comparative shabbiness of her companions. The governess was partly the cause of some of her faults, for she showed her preference for the child even in the smallest things.

Others, however, gave the palm to the gentle Herminia. Ida was always full of herself, and taking the best of everything, and Herminia