farmer soon came out: he was a rough, honest, good looking man, of a very firm. temper, not clever, though he understood his business, and applied to it closely. He thought his wife greatly mistaken in her mode of bringing up her daughters, yet was always silenced by, "Leave the girls to me, Mr. Jennings, you mind your boys." So it was, "6 Well, well," and a shrug, and the matter was settled.

Michael introduced his business with proposing a walk, that they might converse privately, Mr. Jennings secretly rejoicing in the hope of a respectable establishment for one of his daughters, readily accompanied him, and with the cheerfulness of a man who anticipates nothing but pleasure, began to joke with him on the times, how that they farmers should soon ride in their carriages. Michael smiled, and said, "the times had been good, and no doubt many of them had made fortunes, that it bore hardest on young beginners: my business, Sir," said he, "is to inform you, that I understand my thoughtless brother, Joseph, has been endeavouring to recommend himself in your family, not considering the distinction that is to be made between the daughters of a substantial farmer, and the son of a labouring man: and I think it right, Sir,

For

to put you on your guard, by informing you that Joseph Kemp has literally nothing but day labour to depend on. myself, Sir, I live honestly, but by the time I have paid Mrs. Finch's annuity, provided for Richard Moss, and assisted my own family at home, I have really nothing to spare for Joseph."

Curiosity was a very active principle in the mind of Mr. Jennings. By some means he had seen Farmer Moss's will, but never perceived any thing of an annuity for Mrs. Finch; and he thought this speech of Mr. Kemp's was nothing more than a flourish; for he could not conceive it possible that any one should act as Michael had really acted: but he determined this should not pass. "Annuity, Mr. Kemp! annuity! I never saw any thing of that sort in Farmer Moss's will!" No, Sir," said Michael, "it was an omission, which, had I known the contents of the will before my master's death, I should certainly have urged him to supply; but, as it is, the affair is arranged, and I have the happiness of convincing Mrs. Finch of my duty, and unwillingness to injure her." Why, Mr. Kemp, do you pay Mrs. Finch an annuity of your own good will in these hard times? A young man like you just beginning the

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world! Now, begging your pardon, I think this a very foolish business. Why, Mrs. Finch, is, as you may say, a rich woman; and her son and daughter are provided for." Michael made no reply to this part of Mr. Jennings's speech, but continued to say, "he thought it probable Joseph would write to Miss Jennings," and he delivered his conscience in warning him against a connexion which would be every way disadvantageous. He concluded by saying, "that Joseph was a good-natured lad, but had no head for business, and that if raised in life to conduct a farm, he would infallibly involve himself from want of ability." He wished Mr. Jennings a good morning, and was going, when the good man continued, One word with you, Mr. Kemp, if you will give your brother £100, I will give him £400 with my daughter." Really, Sir, it is not in my power to do this, and I tell you sincerely, that I believe my brother totally incapable of managing money, and that were Miss Jennings a sister of mine, I should close my doors against Joseph Kemp.' Very extraordinary, very extraordinary!" said Mr. Jennings, you seem quite your brother's enemy. .. No,

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indeed, Sir, but far be it from me in order to promote my family to involve yours."

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"And so, Mr. Kemp, you really do pay Mrs. Finch an annuity?" I really do, Sir. If you have any doubts on the subject, I am certain Mrs. Finch would satisfy you. Good morning, Sir." Mr. Jennings walked in. Very uncommon man that, uncommon honest, 'twould be a fool's head business indeed to marry my girl to a labourer: well, now I think on't, I always thought that Joseph Kemp a silly looking fellow. I said to my girl only Tuesday last, as he seemed to hold the flute uncommon stupid. No, says I, Louisa, he will never be up to that; but the girl has taken a strange fancy to him. A labourer! no, that would be a story to tell, Miss Louisa Jennings to Joseph Kemp labourer!

Thus Mr. Jennings was reconciled, as many people in life are reconciled. The event could not take place, and he began to perceive that it was best it should not. Just as Mr. Kemp quitted Sizors, Miss Antoinette returned from a walk, but she could make nothing of this meeting. Michael was too full of the business he had been upon, and if he saw her, he did not distinguish which of the ladies it was. She came home, primed with intelligence of a new shop in the village, or rather a new mantua-maker, and the whole store of her wit was employed in

ridiculing Miss Esther Humphries.

"We

shall never be at a loss for fashions," said this flippant young lady, though I'm afraid they will be rather of the quaker kind." "Dear me," said Louisa, "how

I should like to go and see her. I could take her an old gown to make; I should rejoice in puzzling her imagination by inquiries after the latest fashions." So these very amiable young ladies sallied out together.

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Esther had procured a small board, signifying her name and employment. It was neatly done, and placed just over the window of her aunt's cottage. "Well, Margaret Beal," said Miss Jennings, are honoured indeed, your house will become the resort of all the fashionable people." And this young lady entered the door in a spirit of ridicule, but the power of good manners and good sense is irresistible. Esther rose to get them seats, and begged to be informed what they would wish to have. These voluble young ladies began to look doubtfully on each other. At last Miss Jennings requested she might see some of the newest millinery. Ladies," said Esther, with becoming modesty, "I only make gowns to your own patterns. I could show you some things belonging to another person,

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