a

model of the rock of Gibraltar, which was finely executed ; and under a glass, on a small table, the opposite shore of Africa was also sketched, just sufficient to admit of the representation of a small ship passing between the straits. The impression of this beautiful curiosity was so strong, that it gave a decided turn of the study of geography in the mind of this active lad. Mr. Lascelles, with a courtesy which never forsook him, opened his writingcase, and showed his young visitor a drawing of the same place.

“I was once stationed there,” said he, turning to Brownrigg, " and this model was executed by a servant of my own, whose ingenuity has since brought him forward.” “I called on you, Sir," said Brownrigg, nephew Mr. Kemp, to say that he has heard Mr. Jennings has a large cottage to let, and that he had deputed me to look at it, which I have done with as much care as possible; and I think, that with very little alteration at the expense of about fifty pounds, it may make a very decent residence. You may be sure I was closely beset by the ladies : • Was it for a family or a single gentleman ? Perhaps some gentleman that was just going to marry

Do you know such a one, ladies ? For my part, all my friends are provided for.?

“ from my

?'

6

6

• Oh!' said Miss Tiny, whose assurance is most undaunted, we did not know but what Mr. Joseph was going to settle in these parts; we thought it might be natural that Mr. Kemp might wish to have his brother near him.' I do not think Mr. Kemp has such a wish, ladies. Joseph Kemp gets his living very decently, and I should not think so wise a man as my nephew would run any risk of unsettling his brother.' · Had I any relation?' 'No, , ladies, I am a valuable bit of china in

very fine preservation,' and I drew myself up, and looked as tall as I could, Sir, and squared my elbows like the handle and spout of an antique teapot. “You see I am as well kept as a choice morsel from Queen Elizabeth's cabinet, the more valuable from being a single piece.' The ladies seemed puzzled, Sir, and their inquiries went no farther; so that, if

you wish your friend's name not mentioned, 1 have done no mischief.” Mr. Lascelles had a relish for humour, and did not dislike the dry drollery of Brownrigg's character, but he was cautious how he encouraged any species of mental dissipation, more particularly with those whose time seemed too valuable to be thus played with; so assuming a mild, yet grave air, he said, “ I do not think my friend Fer

a

guson would at all object to having his name mentioned, though I see no necessity to gratify such unbounded curiosity. He is an excellent creature, and his nice little wife may perhaps prove a kind friend to these trifling young people, who certainly want some one to direct them, having too indulgent a father, and too gentle a mother, properly to brace minds so relaxed by folly. Ferguson, Sir, is a man about our standing, a thoughtful sensible fellow, who feels the worth of time, and employs it well; and I am happy to add, what I certainly did not know till lately, that he is duly impressed with the importance of eternity. Now such a one with a wife like-minded, may be incalculably useful to these light ladies, so that in fixing them near, I hope I am killing two birds with one stone.

Thanks to you, my kind Mr. Brownrigg, for your active exertions in this business."

We need not tell our readers that Mr. Lascelles was understood, that these side blows lost not their aim. The acuteness of the perception of our Esther's uncle was such, that the drift of every conversation was perfectly understood, and this thought passed his mind.

Ferguson is not such a trifling fellow as poor old Brownrigg.

I comprehend you, my

was, when

good Sir; you cannot only kill two birds with one stone, but there is but a slight gradation between the trifling Miss Jennings and the trifling old Brownrigg.” Thus cogitated the good-natured tobacconist, and had really forgotten where he

young

Michael burst out, “ Oh, there is a pig in the garden !” and was off like an arrow to drive it out; and Brownrigg, thinking his mission finished, made his best city bow, assured the excellent pastor, that if there was any thing else he could do in the business it would give him great satisfaction, he being an idle fellow, and quite at his service. So they parted, mutually pleased with each other, Lascelles liking the good temper of Brownrigg, and Brownrigg by no means displeased with the pastor's gentle concern for his improvement of time. No, it was in the way of his duty, and he liked to see every man perform his duty.

Michael did not fail to find much opposition to every plan he adopted for the benefit of the poor; even farmers, whose pockets he was endeavouring to save from the hand of needless extravagance, were perpetually throwing some obstacle in the way to any end at any point, which their good sense had not suggested. There were gifts in the parish, and these were much abused: it

had been usual to divide the sum among the farmers, and leave them to distribute it as they pleased; they of course gave their own work people, so that whether deserving or otherwise, whether at ease or in want, they had what is called their share. Now Michael thought this an abuse, it was for the relief of the indigent, and, as overseer of the poor, he knew his right, and kept the whole sum, resolving to apply it as necessity should require. Now he was aware that his character would lie open to the undeserved censure of keeping this money, so he was particularly cautious, and kept a book for the separate entry of every shilling he disposed of, and had given a formal receipt to the person who brought him the interest. At the first vestry after this, two of the farmers said, “ Mr. Kemp, Sir, we have not as yetMichael knew what was coming, but he was determined not to anticipate. Kemp, Sir," said the other, “ the legacy money-have you received it, Sir?” 56

Yes, Sir, I have;" and Mr. Lascelles immediately said, " and I have received my part of it.” A sly old farmer, who disliked Mr. Lascelles the more, because he deserved all his love and all his veneration, said, “Oh, no doubt, Sir; but we” and then, with an inquiring look at Mr.

" Mr.

.