Every morning he was called upon for a report as to the state of the weather; but, with all his skill, he could afford them very little consolation.
But all things come to an end, as well as regards our troubles as our joys.

One morning, Ernest reported that less rain had fallen during the preceding than any former night of the season; the next morning a still more favorable report was presented; and on the third morning the floods had subsided, but had left a substratum of mud that obliterated all traces of the roads.

Notwithstanding this, and a smart shower that continued to fall, Fritz and Jack determined to force a passage to Rockhouse.
Towards evening, the two young men returned, soaking with wet and covered with mud, but with light hearts, for they had found their companions in the enjoyment of perfect health and in the best spirits.
They brought back with them a missive, couched in the following terms:-- "Mr.and Mrs.Wolston, greeting, desire the favor of Mr.and Mrs.
Becker's company to dinner, together with their entire family, this day se'nnight, weather permitting." Ernest was hereupon consulted, and stated that, in so far as the rain was concerned, they should in eight days be able to undertake the journey to Rockhouse.

This assurance was not, however, entirely relied upon, for between this and then many an anxious eye was turned skywards, as if in search of some more conclusive evidence.

Those who possess a garden--and he who has not, were it only a box of mignionette at the window--will often have observed, in consequence of absence or forgetfulness, that their flowers have begun to droop; they hasten to sprinkle them with water, then watch anxiously for signs of their revival.