Frank blushed deeply as he replied, "I am too young to think much of such high concerns as matrimony, if that is what you intimate; yet I must say, that if in after years I do enter into that condition, I hope my lady-love may resemble your sweet sister Fanny."

"She could not resemble a better girl," was Joseph's reply. Then, changing the subject abruptly, he said, "Frank, why was it that you never lectured me on board ship? You saw me rough and rude as a bear, and far more disagreeable; yet you led me gently to follow your example. I have often thought of it with wonder, how you could have gained such an'irresistible influence over me. That Temperance pledge that I gave you I have scrupulously kept, and it has doubtless saved me from immense evils. Was I not a constant source of mortification to you on shore ?"

"Not quite so bad as that, Joseph."

“Well, Frank, I have given up all idea of being a gentleman, as I then understood the word, and shall be quite contented if I can become what I once despised, a respectable man."

"I have no doubt, Joseph, that you will become

both in time. If it is not an impertinent question, how old is your sister Fanny?"

Dr. Wood was much pleased with the Brandons, and invited them all to pay him a visit in New York, whenever Don Francesco and his lady arrived.

It was not many weeks after their return home that the good Doctor and Frank wrote to announce their arrival. Mr. Jones gave Joseph permission to accompany his mother and sisters to New York.

The Don and Donna were agreeably surprised to hear Joseph address them in French and Portuguese. He had so diligently applied himself to the study of these languages during his leisure hours, that he already spoke them with some facility.

Frank Wood's good opinion of Fanny did not suffer on a more intimate acquaintance. He was delighted to hear the Donna say that she had the most charming smile and the most dove-like eyes that she ever saw. He was almost as much pleased when she spoke of Joseph's improve

ment.

"My father," said Frank, "thinks he will

make one of the most respectable merchants in Boston. And allow me to tell you that it is saying a great deal, for there are no more polished gentlemen in our country than some of the Boston merchants."

"I like him exceedingly, and hope he will soon pay us another visit," said the Donna.

"He may possibly do so, for Mr. Jones intends sending him to Europe on business. I should not be surprised if Madame and Mademoiselle La Tourette should not recognize him, he is so much improved since that famous French din

ner.'"

"Did I not hear you speak of Mademoiselle La Tourette?" inquired Joseph, who had caught the sound of her name.

"I said, Joseph, that she would scarcely recognize you; so much have you changed of late."

“Then I must beg your ring, to serve as a talisman when I shall see her again. Will you give it to me? I am going to Marseilles before many months."

"Certainly, if you wish it," replied Frank, taking it from his finger. "I hope you will wear it at another famous French dinner-party."

148

AN UNEXPECTED RESOLVE.

'O, better than that," replied his friend, pressing the ring upon his little finger. "I hope it may be worn at the famous wedding-party of Mrs. Joseph Brandon."

After a few weeks spent in seeing whatever New York affords to interest a stranger, the Brandons returned home. The Don and Donna accompanied them to Boston, and then pursued their journey through the United States.

Brandon returned to his counting-room, with a firmer resolution than ever to be an honorable and upright merchant,

man.

and a Christian gentle

THE END.

WM. CROSBY AND H. P. NICHOLS,

PUBLISHERS, BOOKSELLERS, AND STATIONERS,

No. 118 WASHINGTON STREET,

BOSTON,

Have lately published the following beautiful Books for Young People:

I WILL BE A GENTLEMAN. By Mrs. Tuthill. Second Edition.

I WILL BE A LADY. By the Author of "I will be a Gentleman."

STORIES FOR CHILDREN, intended as Hints to Parents. By Mrs. R. J. Cleveland.

GENEVIEVE AND MARCELIN, and other Tales. Translated from the French.

HUDSON'S STORIES FOR CHILDREN.

THE BIRTHDAY; a Sequel to the Well-spent Hour. By Mrs. E. L. Follen.

PERSEVERE, AND YOU MUST SUCCEED; or, The History of Mary Smith.

THE WELL-BRED BOY; or New School of Good Manners.

THE WELL-BRED GIRL; an Addition to the Hints on Good Manners, contained in "The Wellbred Boy."

SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF CHRIST. By Mrs. H. V. Cheney.