would glisten while she replied, "My dear aunt, if you knew what a pleasure it is to me, that you will take any thing that I can buy, you would not say it shan't be." Affairs were in this train, when Mr. Lascelles, with an open letter in his hand, met Esther coming towards his house. "Good morning, Hetty, are you going to the rectory?"" Yes, Sir."-" Very good; I was going to seek you," and stepped back with her there. "Sit down," as he pointed to the chair in his study, and closing the door; "that letter I have this morning received." The contents were as follows:

SIR,-I beg you to accept my thanks for the trouble I have occasioned you; I would trespass farther. Will you permit one of your servants to inform Margaret Beal and Mary Humphries that Jonathan Brownrigg, their brother, intends paying. them a visit early in next week, perhaps Tuesday.-Sir, your faithful humble serJ. BROWNRIGG.

vant,

N. B. They must get me a bed somewhere. I am sorry to trouble you so much, Sir; but if you come to London, I am a leisure man, and I will be at your service.

Poor Esther's colour went and came as she perused this, and Mr. L. looked at

her with an inquiring eye as he walked up and down his study with his stick under his arm. Well, this is pleasant news, is it not, my good girl?"-"Why, Sir, I'm so very happy, so very contented, that I'm afraid of a change." (Mr. L., with a dignified look, and a sweet habitual composure,) "They shall not be afraid of any evil tidings, for their heart standeth firm, and believeth in the Lord."

Esther. That's a delightful state, Sir; I wish I could say in my heart that I never was afraid; but we are so peaceful and tranquil, and I don't know quite what my uncle's temper may be, so that it makes me feel very anxious, and I really don't know how to break the news to my mother; I think she will be pleased too.

Mr. Lascelles. "I have no doubt of it; I have heard a character of him from my friend Mr. Walker, which is extremely pleasing." "Is he at all religious?” “I fear not, but his moral qualities seem excellent, and deserving our respect."

Esther rose to be going, and was planning and projecting all the way home: they had wondered at her stay, and as she entered, her aunt said, "There have been two or three asking for you.'

Esther. I'm very sorry for it, aunt;

I'm afraid they have troubled you, but I have been to the rectory." To the rectory," said Mary Humphries." To the rectory," repeated her aunt. "Yes, I had a little business," and again she hesitated. "Well, child, speak out," said her mother. She did, and then presented her uncle's letter, and sat watching the countenance of her mother. She observed the tears steal down her cheeks; she folded the letter, and went to her room. 66 Is any thing the matter, Esther, love?" said Margaret. Esther repeated the whole. Well," said Margaret, "this is particular, that ever Jonathan should think of coming to see us. This is such an answer to my prayers; never did I think to gladden my eyes with the sight of my brother again, poor fellow! But Hetty, how did you know about your uncle, child?" "I heard nothing, aunt, but what I have told you; 'tis all through Mr. Lascelles."

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By this time the mother rejoined the family circle, and they were all looking at each other with doubtful expression. Esther was fearful to say any thing, not knowing the exact state of her mother's min However, at last she hazarded. mother, you have read that let

"Yes, my love, and I hope it will be all for good, Hetty; all good for you, my dear." Margaret. Oh, there's no doubt of that, my dear Mary; all things shall work together for good, to them that love God.

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Mary. But there is an old saying, Margaret, "A burnt child do dread the fire;" and though I love my dear brother, yet I have had some painful days with him. You don't remember him, my dear, do you, Hetty.

Esther. "No, mother, I don't indeed; I don't think I ever saw him."—" Dear me, I don't think you ever did; he called once, I remember, but I believe it was before you were born."-" Well, we must think about getting ready for him, aunt; how shall we manage it?"-" Why, child, I really can't say; but I was thinking perhaps Mrs. Meredith would give me a bed, she is so very kind to you, child."-" Oh, aunt, 1 am sure she would, but I do not think they have one to spare; perhaps you could get one at the clerk's; shall I go, aunt?" Why no, child, you have a great deal of work to do; I'll put on my bonnet, and go myself; I think a little fresh air would revive me." So she set off, but had not gone far before she met Fanny Meredith with her baby in her

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arms. "Well, this is a sight, neighbour, to see you go walking; you would almost make me doubt the day of the week." Margaret told her errand, and how Esther had said, that Mrs. Meredith could not help them." Oh, but," said Fanny, "if I have not a bed, there are plenty at the Brow; so don't you go any further, neighbour, about that, for I'll speak to my brother, and settle that for you; and you know Betty Smith, the good creature, she will take care to have every thing aired and in its right place."—" Well, this is very kind of you, Mrs. Meredith, I don't know that we can do better." So the plan was settled.

Michael had seen Mr. Lascelles upon the subject of the gipsies, and he had got a warrant to remove them; and it was just at this moment that Margaret and Fanny were about to part, that they perceived the whole cavalcade moving down the street. Their looks were determined and resentful, and Margaret and Fanny both trembled as they passed them; but the constable was in attendance, and two or three stout men beside, and several farmers on horseback were riding slowly behind them. All these precautions taken, it was hoped the country would be cleared; but there was something more than commonly