was met by James Brown, whose steady course did honour to the principles which he had embraced. "And how is it we never meet, Michael?" Michael replied that "he knew not: for that he should always be glad to see him." "But where is your master? I've a little business for him." "I saw him a few minutes since and he passed to the house."

He was admitted to the study; and, after some slight apology for intruding his affairs he unfolded his business, and begged the prayers of his beloved pastor. Mr. Lascelles was exceedingly pleased, he thought the union so well assorted; and said, "I suppose the uncle, Mr Brownrigg, is acquainted with your intention?" "Yes, Sir, and he has behaved__very kindly, and promised to give Esther £1000." "Very good,; that is as it should be. It will assist you in your business.' "I rather think not, Sir, as I should not wish it in my hands. The Brow has hitherto paid its expenses, and something over for a rainy day. I am always afraid, lest I should be in haste to get rich. I have been so happy in my middle state, that I fear advancement, lest I should lose my dependance." Very right," replied his reverend friend; "the less a man is loaded, the lighter he walks;

and I believe the love of accumulation increases by indulgence. Money is a more difficult article to manage, than most young people are aware of. I have known persons who have begun by prudence, end in parsimony; and, on the other hand, I have seen liberality degenerate into profusion. Oh, my dear young man, keep your eye fixed on the Saviour; that is the only way to walk consistently."

Michael listened modestly; for though he had long felt this, and long practised it, he was not like some young persons, impatient with the reflection. Counsel was agreeable, especially religious counsel, and he was willing to take here a little, and there a little, and to receive "line upon line, and precept upon precept;" so that he might walk safely, and honourably to the cause of God.

He withdrew with the hearty blessing of the good Mr. Lascelles, and went quietly home to the Farm. He was just ascending the hill, when it struck him that he should do well to call, and have some open conversation with the whole family, with whom he was about to connect himself. He went to Margaret Beal's; and, as she opened the little garden gate, Esther met him. "You were going out."

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Yes, but it is not material." "You are

sure of that, especially if you

Esther "-"Quite sure -"And she hesitated.

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Yes;

Michael turned round, and said, "I'll walk a little way with you. Is your uncle within ?" "No; he is gone to his cottage, and I was going to call on a sick neighbour." "Could you take me?" and we will speak by the way." "I was coming yesterday to have a little open converse with your family, and to endeavour to settle something.'

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Esther was silent. She felt, as the period drew nigh, a timid sort of dread, as though she were afraid of change; and Michael looked on her with an eye of inquiry, as though he feared something; when she re-assured him by the following observation : "I have been so happy hitherto, under the guidance of my mother and aunt, that I feel almost afraid of change." Michael interrupted her." hope, Esther, you do not repent.' She assured him that she did not; but she said, "when she thought of the duties before her, she doubted if she was sufficient to perform them with propriety." "Oh, my dear Esther, sufficiency is of him you know; and this we must not only say, but feel. I think you have evening worship at your house?"

"Surely; always."-" Then, I will step

down again in the evening; I shall be sure to find your uncle then.'

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Very well;'

She was in

and her heart beat; for she knew not
what he was going to say.
mental prayer that all might go well, as
they drew near the cottage she was going

to.

"We must part here; for I am going to assist poor Betty Richardson, to dress her child's burn; for it is such a job Michael." So he bade her farewell till evening, thanked God in his heart for the providence which had brought them together, and walked back to the Brow, where he found Esther's uncle sitting in deep conversation with Betty.

The consciousness of Betty's look, and the archness of Mr Brownrigg's, convinced Michael that their converse had been of him; and, though there was very little curiosity in Michael's character, he looked as though he would say what? and when Betty passed from the room, it was with a sly curtsy, and a look of promise, to know all when the odd old gentleman was gone; but the odd old gentleman was in no hurry to go; and he began, while he kept making a very fine point to his pencil. "How came you, Sir; how came you, I say, to choose poor Esther, my poor niece, Sir, where there are so many fine young ladies?" Michael said, "I hope, Sir, my ser

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vant has not been so foolish as to talk of our neighbours, and to talk folly about them.' Why, folly; I believe some people's folly, is other people's wisdom. Ha, his it not so, Michael?” 'I really cannot understand 66 Sir." you, Well, no matter; only if I choose to put on my hat, smartly, and with my cane under my arm, to come to see Betty, has any one a right to say nay ?”

Michael's understanding was a plain one; he was never fond of jesting; independent of the Divine prohibition. The truth was he had no play of fancy, or imagination, to lead him astray. It might be said of him, "he was a plain man ;" so he gave Mr Brownrigg a smile for his jest, and opened his desk, to make some memorandum. Brownrigg, with both hands on the head of his stick, and his hat on his knee with his gloves in it, sat amusing himself with his own thoughts, when hand in hand, walked in at the Brow porch, Michael and his little sister. Stephen sent the boy, uncle," and tucked into his little vest, he produced a letter. "Very odd," thought his uncle, to send these children; and he took the letter. It was, indeed, a letter from P--; but that Fanny should send them, when she had so often said to Michael, "not to the Brow my love; not

M