some breakfast, and his delighted grandmother was not long ere his fondling affection was bestowed on her, and he was in the garden at the side of his grandfather, digging with his uncle Frank, and as much domesticated as any part of the family.

To the lover of infancy, its soft lispings have an irresistible charm, nothing is indifferent, every action is grace, and every word and tone finds its way to the heart. How have I bent over the glowing features of a sleeping babe, observed the smile which some illusive dream had created, and watched the meandering of the blue veins, and the fair open forehead, and how have I wished that disease might never prey upon that form, or sorrow agitate that panting bosom. It was a weak wish, it was a fruitless wish, disease hath visited, and sorrow hath made inroads, but it is over, and the mourner is at rest. Yes, he slept in peace!

Pardon this digression, reader, which the thought of sleeping infancy recalled.

Mrs. Meredith, at first, resisted the idea of going back with Stephen; but, at the end of three days, when he talked seriously of departing, the tear was in her eye, and she said, "Oh, my dear boy, how shall I part part with "There is no need, mother," said Stephen, "Ellen is coming

you

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from her place, and she can guide the house here." Well, my dear, I can have no objection; but we shall hear what your father says. I never did leave home before; and pray, how am I to go?" "That has all been thought of, mother. If you can get a tilted cart, we may ride very comfortably,"

The affair was arranged, and they set out. It was a pleasure that Fanny had never hoped for; and, though her husband said he should bring her, if possible, she could not conceive which way it might be effected.

We must pass over the interior of this heavy day, and let Williamson come in for orders. He had carefully avoided Stephen, for he was ashamed to see him. But, however, there was no escaping; for he must take orders; so he came in, and stood, as usual, while Mrs. Finch put questions, to which he gave his usual hesitating replies. But, there was something about Williamson, which, with all his errors, was sure to make its way to the heart of his hearers; and, ere he had finished, his faults were forgotten. They both looked at him with the same feeling, and concern that an honest, respectable man, had made himself ridiculous. To the astonishment of both Mrs. Finch and Stephen, he pounced upon the subject. "I dare say, you have heard

what an old fool I've made of myself; but I couldn't help it; it shall be made up to her, for all the trouble I've given her; every shilling I have shall be hers." Oh, do not talk of it," said Stephen;

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we should all be sorry to lose you, Williamson." "I'm sure I can't tell what for; I'm a stupid, blundering old fellow.' He desired to be remembered to Mr. Kemp and Fanny, and seemed glad to slink out of the room as he had slunk in. "I'm sorry for him," said Mrs. Finch; "he has made himself unhappy to no purpose. I depend on you to bear your sister in mind, and to let us know of the first eligible situation".

Stephen departed in a little tax-cart with his mother, for his own dwelling. The meeting was cordial on both sides, and Stephen's mother had the appearance of the wife of some respectable yeoman. Though, after marriage, Stephen's affections were diverted into another channel, he felt what we wish to impress on the hearts of children, how necessary it is for their own happiness, to pay these minor attentions to their parents. It sweetens life's decline, to find gratitude in those on whom they have lavished so much care.

The thought struck Stephen, that perhaps Mrs. Lascelles might want an upper servant, and he knew no human being, to

whose care he would so soon entrust his sister. He considered himself unfortunate in thus breaking up a happy family; but there was no alternative: either Williamson, or Ellen; and this man was so necessary to his mistress, that the bare idea was rejected immediately. When it was mentioned to Fanny, she said, "The sooner you go the better; for places are no sooner empty, than there are persons to whom the place is an object. They are treated with such kindness, and the examples continually before them are of so excellent a tendency, that one ought rather to rejoice than to hesitate. So away my dear man.

When he reached the Rectory, he found Mrs. Lascelles deeply engaged. She entreated him to stop a little, and she would attend him. 66 Madam," said Stephen, as he entered the room. She bade him a cordial good morning, and hoped the little excursion had been useful to him and the child. These kind speeches past, and Stephen opened his feelings. I have a sister, Ma'am, a very steady young person, who has been at service many years, and quits her mistress, not for any fault, but on account of some particular circumstances. I thought, perhaps, you might know of some place that would suit her; and, if you

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did, I'm sure I should be very thankful to have my sister in any situation you were so good as to recommend." "Mr. Meredith, is your sister, may I ask you, is she a religious character?" "I cannot say, Madam, in confidence, that she is; but she is not an opposer; and I believe she respects religious people: indeed, I know she does.' "Where has she lived, Mr. Meredith?" Ever since my wife quitted, she has lived in the employment of Mrs. Finch, and her mistress speaks very highly of her, and would not have parted with her, but""But what, Mr. Meredith; for I like to know the cause of separation?" "I should not, Madam, have taken the liberty of telling you things of this sort, but as you desire it;" and he related the circumstances which led to Ellen's quitting. Mrs. Lascelles smiled, and said, she "thought the young woman perfectly right; and assured him, that if she could in any way assist her views, she would bear her in mind."

As soon as Mr. Lascelles returned from his walk, she related Stephen's visit, and its cause. He appeared thoughtful for a minute, and then said, "I should not wonder if this was the very young woman, of whom I heard Mr. Walker speak, as a person distinguished by Mr.