queer looking man with a long nose, and a snuff coloured coat, and a brown bob, and then you'll begin to mimic me, and you'll tell your mamma that there was a gentleman in the corner who did not speak a word to you, that there was a farmer who did nothing but grumble, and you'll quite forget all the good advice I have given you. Little miss looked rather put out, for she really had been thinking what an odd set they were, and that she should tell mamma about them, so that Mr. Brownrigg appeared to her to be endowed with prophetical powers, and she remained silent during the rest of the journey.

When Mr. B. reached the town nearest the village, where his sister dwelt, he saw a remarkably good-looking man enquiring for him; it was Stephen Meredith; " 1s there a gentleman come by the coach of the name of Brownrigg?" Mr. B., with his little bag in one hand, his umbrella under his arm, and his purse in his hand, ready to settle, looked round quickly at this enquiry, "Yes, Sir, my name is Brownrigg." Stephen.

Sir, I was coming over on a little business, and Mrs. Beal asked me to show you the way to her dwelling, and as we had a spare horse, I brought one for you, Sir."

"I'm extremely obliged to you. This is unexpected kindness, it's many years since I was on horseback; we Londoners find the stages so convenient, Sir, that we do not often exhibit ourselves on the road; but as you have been so very kind" The affair was soon arranged.

"You know my sister then, Sir," said Mr. B. as they were riding along toge

ther.

Stephen. Yes, Sir, I know Mrs. Beal very well; she's a very nice woman, and so is Mrs. Humphries and her daughter. Brownrigg. Her daughter! oh, then she has only one, I suppose? Stephen. No, Sir.

Brownrigg. No son?
Stephen. No, sir.

Brownrigg. Well, we can't help that, to be sure, I should have liked a boy, but, if I can't have both, perhaps a good stay at home girl. Yes, yes, I dare say it's all right.

I

Stephen. Oh yes, Sir, no doubt of that. Brownrigg. Oh, you think its all ordered, suppose ?

Stephen. Yes, Sir, the scripture tells us, that not a hair shall fall to the ground without the knowledge of our heavenly Father."

Brownrigg. And so you say she is a

nice girl. Come, you must tell me a little about her; let's see, how old is she?

Stephen (smiling). Why, Sir, we don't ask the ladies' ages; but I should suppose about twenty.

Brownrigg. Is she tall?

Stephen. Rather tall than short, Sir.
Brownrigg. Is she fair?

Stephen. Yes, very fair.

Brownrigg. Oh, so was her mother, foolish creature- -but it's too late to be angry-I've been angry over and over again-and so she's tall and fair-she is altogether a good-looking girl, I suppose?

Stephen. Yes, Sir, indeed, a very sweet young woman, and such a pretty, modest way with her, that's she's greatly respected all over the village, both by high and low.

Brownrigg. It was very kind of you, Sir, to come and meet me, I suppose you are a near neighbour?

Stephen. Not very near, Sir, but my wife and your niece are very good friends, and my wife's brother, who has been the best friend I ever had, would never hinder me of a horse, if I wanted it; and if you please, Sir, you're to sleep there to-night.

Brownrigg. Very good, Sir, wherever they may see fit to put me. But I must see my sister to-night, for I'm an impa

tient man, and like Joseph, "My bowels yearn over my relations," and though I am not lord over all Egypt, I have made a pretty little sum by fair trading—and I may make the rest of their days comfortable. I suppose they have not much, poor things.

Stephen. I don't know, Sir, they make a very decent appearance.

Mr. B. buttoned his coat tight, and the tear was in his eye: he drew up the reins of his horse, held them as though he were accurately measuring their length, and went on silently. "Pretty country, Sir." Yes, very. I hear the distant bell, I suppose you have some rejoicing?" "I don't know, Sir, that there is any thing particular." They rode on for some time, and they entered the borders of the village, and began to meet faces whom Stephen knew. "And now,

Sir, we have not far to go; do you like to ride into the village, or shall I take your horse?" "I should be sorry to trouble you, Sir, to take the horse. I could ride forwards with you and put up the horse, and then go to my sister." "There is no occasion for that, Sir, because we shall come to Mrs. Beal's, quite in the middle of the village, and I shall have a hill to climb, which is quite unnecessary for you.'

"You are really very kind; but I am ashamed of being so troublesome to you. The affair settled, they parted at the entrance of the village, Stephen promising to send one to guide him to the Brow, where he was to sleep.

And now, reader, we must visit the waiting family, every member of which experienced a palpitating uneasiness at the prospect of the meeting: for though they had all lifted their hearts in secret, and fortified one another by the remembrance that all things work together for good, still they dreaded change where all had been so peaceful, and every step was listened to, and as the sun was descending to the west-"Well, sister, I do not think he will come to-night," said Margaret. "Not come? oh, I never knew Jonathan fail in an appointment." She had just said this as he entered the little garden gate, and closing it carefully after him, was walking up the neat gravel path, when Mary Humphries met him, and taking his umbrella with one hand, and pressing his other in silence, she led him to their little sitting room, where Esther was at her work. Margaret had just stepped into the back kitchen to see to the vegetables she was about to boil for his