guidance of old Andrew, the stiff Scot began to doubt whether he and the young Frank could remain long together. But good advice and firm resolves on the part of Stephen to send him home, if he gave the slightest trouble to the old gardener, made Frank consider his way. And one evening, when he had strolled down to see his brother and sister, with the baby on his shoulder, walking up and down the room, "You have no notion, sister, what a tiresome old man that Andrew is, so abominably obstinate, I believe he thinks-" and as he was going on, Stephen stopped him. "It is your place to obey him, Frank, and it is only upon those terms that you can keep your place. I would not have a brother of mine give trouble in Mr. Lascelles's family." "But when I know," said Frank, "that the way my father has taught me is the best way, is it not provoking that this old man will not allow me to know any thing, and is always calling me a boy." Here the good-humoured Fanny rose. My dear Frank, it is so natural to call things what they are." Here the family party was increased by the entrance of James Brown; and Stephen appealed to him, to know if Andrew was really a tiresome old man. "He is slow, partial to his own way.' "That 66 66 he is indeed," said Frank. "But he is an excellent gardener, and in all the time that I have lived with Mr. Lascelles, he has been very kind to me, and I have constantly found that experience qualified him to direct me, and I never found it difficult to obey." Do you hear that, Frank?" said Stephen; and James looked round, as though he would have said, "Have you found it difficult?" Frank understood the appeal, and said, "Perhaps, Mr. Brown, you may be of a milder temper than I am;" and as soon as this escaped him he seemed sorry that he had said it, and went on. "I am sure I have done all I could to please him." Frank had given the babe to his sister, and was leaning over the back of Jem's chair, declaring that he was sure, he was certain he had done all he could; and James, who in days lang syne, would have been quite of Frank's mind, and would have thought it impossible to bear with an obstinate old man, turned round, and looking him full in the face, said, My dear fellow, I have lived so long with Andrew, that I know him exactly; he will not yield to you, he will not think it proper, and I must say that every one who considers, will think him better qualified to govern than a young lad like you. You cannot, 66 Frank, speak to any one who better understands the pride of the heart than I do. I have had plenty of it here," said James, striking his hand upon his bosom; "and if Mr. Kemp were here, he could tell you so. Jem Brown was a wild slip; but in all the pride of my heart, when I got my own way to the uttermost, I was never so happy as when I conquered myself, and bowed my proud spirit to obedience. No, my dear lad, I know just what you feel just entering on life, in all the vigour of youth, you think it is your turn to govern, and Andrews to retire. But while his master sees fit to retain him, and while he is capable of fulfilling the duties of his place, the struggle is vain; you must either give up or go. But oh," said this nice young man, "how glad I should be, Frank Meredith, if you could think as I do, without the sin, the sorrow, and the suffering that has brought me to think thus; I do so love your brother." "Thank you," said Fanny, "thank you, dear James.' "And again thank you," said Stephen. "I do so love your brother, that I should be glad to see you reap the fruit without the trouble of digging and watering." "I do not think it would be good for much," said Stephen. 66 Now hear me, Frank; let Andrews guide you, go on quietly the sa that I did, and if there is any th can now and then just recommend gently and slowly, mind you, si submission to his opinion, I think yet be well. You have never any open quarrel, I hope.' "No exactly, only he told me yester he had not lived there so many come all the way from Scotla taught by a boy." "He was right, Frank," said Stephen, obey." "Oh," said James, could prevail upon you, my g to think of these words, Not good and gentle, but to the un1 evil,' we are called to obey. text did strike me, the first t with attention.' "But I can him as my master, you see;" is my master, and I look upo fellow-servant." "You are error then," said Stephen sooner you recover yoursel unless you have a mind to go father." This was spoken dear Fanny, who was always said, "No, no, I cannot par Frank, I want him." Oh, how powerful is the s ness and love! This haugh |