malignant in this party. James Brown had kept within for some days, for he had never felt secure while they were there. Poor fellow! he had suffered enough for the folly of his youth, and it might truly be said, "that the wickedness of his heels encompassed him." His heart smote him when he remembered how long he had been a companion of these desperate people. Margaret. Why, they are frightful creatures howsoever.

Fanny. They are indeed, neighbour; I believe they are the same gang that Robert belonged to. Poor Robert, he is sadly punished, I believe his end is near.

Margaret. "Dear me, and is he to be hanged then? Well, I remember Farmer Newton always said, that boy would come to be hanged, for you see it's pretty clear when they do nothing but mischief. I say its pretty clear what must be the end of it. Well, a good morning to you, neighbour." Fanny went on to the Brow, and met her brother just as he was going up the hill; he took her baby, and they ascended together. When he had heard her message, it was, "Oh yes, undoubtedly, certainly; whatever you wish, my dear. But when did you say?"-" "On Tuesday, I think it was not quite fixed, it depended on the coaches."-"Those gipsies

are removed, Fanny, I find; we have not been able to keep an egg lately; I have lost a good many chickens, and the night before last I think they took a pig from the sty."

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Fanny. "No matter, brother, so they let you be in peace.' Well, Fanny, if this good man comes on Tuesday, I suppose some one will conduct him here, or must I call." "I don't know what to say, my dear brother, I think it might be better to let Stephen bring him here; I'll manage that. The spirit of this dear girl was so kind, and her influence so general, that she was quite secure of having all her little schemes accomplished.

We must now return to Jonathan Brownrigg, and give the reader some idea of the state of his mind. It is true he had every thing he wanted, as far as meat, drink, and clothing: he had a pleasant little house, but he sat down alone by his fire, and now he had lost his daily employments in his retreat from trade, he began to find what many others have found before him, that the mere business of eating, drinking, and dressing, reading the newspaper, and looking out of the window to see whose carriages past, made a vapid and childish life: and he resolved to

I

employ the remaining period of existence, in a way more suited to comfort and usefulness. If I have any nieces or nephews," said he to himself," they may help to amuse me. I think I could turn

schoolboy for once, and assist in flying a kite." Well, he determined to enquire, and the reader has heard the result; and he has taken his place for the following Tuesday, and he is now seated in the coach, with only three companions, a farmer, a little girl who has just left school, and a gentleman, of whom he can make nothing, as he will not speak a word. Mr. B. was a compassionate soul, and could in no way account for this taciturnity, unless by illness or ill temper, "You are unwell, Sir, shall I change sides with you?" "No, Sir, I thank you, was the cold reply, and they travelled on in a melancholy silence. He was more successful with the little girl, whom he furnished with biscuits, and whose history he had from beginning to end: the farmer too was communicative, and gave broad hints of what he could do if he were at the head of affairs. Mr. B. was strictly loyal, and assured him that we often found fault with what we could not mend, and that to the government their task was not easy, for if they pleased one party, they

were sure to displease the other, and that for his part, he had set a resolution, to begin reformation at home, where he knew it was wanted, and my dear Sir, if you and many others of the yeomanry would take the same resolution, I have no doubt but the present evils would be more easily borne. The agriculturist replied, "it was easy for the trader who had made his fortune, and retired, to be contented with distress which did not touch him. But for those who had the burden to bear, it was a different thing; and if things went on as they did, gentlemen would be obliged to farm their own. estates." Mr. B. saw that the subject was painful, and began again to talk to the little girl, "You're a young traveller, Miss, shall you have a friend to meet you?" “No, Sir, I believe not; when I get down, I know very well where to go. are sorry to leave school, I suppose?" Yes, Sir, I'm sorry for some things, but for others I shall be glad." ،، Well, now,

sorry?"

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،، You

"I shall

for what should you be sorry leave some nice companions, Sir, but I shall be glad to have done with lessons and study, and all that." 'Oh," said Mr. B. "I thought study was very delightful. I thought it was one of the charms of the boarding-school; I'm think

ing you'll miss it sadly." The little girl laughed, and shook her head.

Mr. B. "Well, come now, tell me, how shall you spend your time at home?"

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Oh, I am sure I cannot tell, but I shall go out and see mamma's friends, and have company at home.'

Mr. B. "And don't you mean to work for your papa and your brothers?" "Oh, I suppose I shall a little.'

"If you were my little girl, I should make you work a good deal, and as for going visiting, you would have but very little of it, I can tell you. I think, for the most part, it is spending time very idly. When you come home from your visitings, now tell me the truth, do you not begin to point out some defect, to wonder at some oddity, or to ridicule some personal deformity ?""

"Oh no, Sir!"

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Mr. B. "Why, now, can you say that you never laugh at any thing you see or hear when you've been visiting, if you can?" And he took his pocket book out of his pocket. Come, give me your name, for I must put it down," the child looked a little confused. Now, I'll tell you what you'll say when you get home, you'll begin about the people in the coach; you'll say that you travelled with such a

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