"Quite true, Miss Wyndham. Pray may I inquire which of you is Miss Wyndham? which is the elder? I should be very much puzzled, when I went home to-day, if any of my friends should ask me whether the young lady with the bright brown hair and eyes, or the one with the extremely gentle expression of countenance, were she." do not think any one justified in taking work-or no engrossing topic of conversaoffence where none is meant, or taking gene- tion, we have a rubber of whist, which is ral opinions as applied to themselves individ- very pleasant; and I am certain, Mrs. Wyndually." ham, no one could see any objection to that. Now in that nice book of Bulwer's, My Novel' (of course you have read it), Parson Dale and his wife, and the squire and his, made it a regular practice, when they spent an evening together, to have their rubber, and that, I have often heard said, is a model book,' and all the people in it 'characters,' which all good people know means they are to be imitated, though not, I daresay, including Mr. Randal Leslie, who was nothing to boast of in the way of goodness. For my part, I think the very name significant; it was smart of Bulwer to make a Leslie the black sheep. Depend upon it, Sir Edward is a smart fellow." "It is a comfort, I am sure, to our friends," said Frances, "that we have these distinguishing features of hair and eyes." Miss Jones stared at her a moment uncertain whether the present brightness of those eyes did not proceed from a little love of mischief, of which the owner possessed a good share, or whether the extremely gentle countenance did not express a little, very little, scorn; at any rate she thought it better to cease sounding for family information, though she much desired some; trusting to time and chance to unravel the family records. There was a little pause, to consider what course she should next steer, which gave Margaret space to edge in a remark. "You think we shall be pleased with this neighborhood?" she said, in rather a stately tone. "I scarcely understand your allusion,” said Frances, who had looked much amused while listening to the foregoing programme of morning hours. "Don't understand! Why, the Leslies, to be sure. One of the longest things I can remember, is an old Irishman who used to come to my father's when I was a child; he always sung one unvarying song, and one line I never forgot-' Oliver Cromwell and Leslie Foster.' You may be quite sure he never was classed with Old Noll for nothing. There is an old saying would assort well with the song-show me your company, and I will tell you who you are."" "You mean Cromwell as being bad company?" 66 Certainly; there is no mistake as to his crimes, I am certain." "You are not one of those, then, who adopt Carlyle's view of his character." "Not I; I think it is one of the humbugs of the present day." "Like! bless me, it would be odd indeed if you did not. It is a curious fact, but nevertheless it is one, that all strangers show reluctance at first to come and reside here, and are sure almost to break their hearts at leaving. I ought to know something of it, I have lived here twenty-ahem-I mean my mother has, and I am sure we can both bear testimony to the happiness we have enjoyed in it. For my part, I often tell mother, it would not be of the slightest use any one making proposals of marriage to me, if they "Scarcely confined I would say to the asked me to live elsewhere; that she must present day; in his own time he had partiget a clause inserted in the settlements that sans, who would have defended him as Landeris would still be my place of residence. warmly, though not perhaps with so cool a Now, to give you an idea of the pleasant judgment, or with such talent. It appears to kind of society we have here, if the morning be wet, I send Sally (that is our maid) up the street to knock at some friend's door, and I slip on my clogs, take an umbrella, and my work-basket, and run in, and we have such a pleasant morning's chat, sewing and talking in such a nice cosy manner, or, if we have nothing very particular to do-I mean me as if there were a great difference of opinion about the aforesaid Oliver." "That I grant you to a certain extent; but, as to Carlyle or that school of writers, don't you ever fancy they believe a word of those extremes they put in print; not they; it is just for opposition sake. It is just the way some emigrant from the Old World goes and makes a settlement in the Far West,' and founds some new sect, with religious opinions that no one else ever heard of before-Mormonites, or New Lebanonites, or Jansenists, or Shakers, or some equally absurd name; the same principle that made Horace Walpole attempt the defence of Richard the Third. The thing is preposterI have no intention of believing what they allege, so I never read their books; I do not wish to damage my principles, and I hate those foolish questions that parties split up about, what they call vital questions,' or 'conscientious scruples.' I highly disapprove of party spirit, and people have no business with such irritating ideas.” ous. "But do you not think, when it comes to a question of right and wrong, which is generally the case when there exists what you call party spirit,' that one ought to exercise their reasoning faculties, not take things on trust? Indeed, I go farther: I think any one culpable who passes by doubtful point, without trying to obtain a 'right judgment.' Our minds were given us surely for such a purpose. What is not right must be wrong; I hold there is no medium." "I am afraid you are prejudiced." a "I hope not. To avoid that evil, I generally read both sides of a question before making up my mind. It is a kind of test. Besides, if one meets with an adversary in opinion at any time, knowing their ground is half the battle." way "How warlike you talk. I think people ought to live in peace, and not interfere with each other's opinions, but go their own way; perhaps they are as right as you. Live and let live, that is my motto.' "I am far from wishing to prevent any one living," said Frances, laughing, "but 1 would like to put truth as much in their as possible. As to living in peace, I fear it never be; from Cain and Abel to our time, strife has been and will be sure; if one could only make it the strife for what is right -I am back to my first remark: what is not right must be wrong.' Certainly one person cannot do much, but that is no release from responsibility. Do you know Longfellow's lines ? can "All common things, each day's events, That with the hour begin and end. "We have not wings-we cannot soar; having two coats, and that sort of thing, I and writers who had stood the test of centuries, dreamed of Chaucer by day, and meditated, I verily believe, on St. Chrysostom at night. They must have been always in his mind, for he quoted more learned old divines in his sermons here than I could enumerate from this until sunset, older, for all I know, than any of the patriarchs. I am glad he is not moved farther away from this, only ten miles. Have you met him yet, Mrs. Wyndham ?" "I have not. Dr. Wyndham mentioned having met him when he was first down here looking at the house." "I have no doubt you will all be greatly pleased with him he is so agreeable in company, quite descends like the heathen deities of old to mingle with mortals. Indeed he always suggests to me when I look at him some mythological hero; quite a Roman face, a little, very little of the Brutus expression in it, just sufficient to preserve the character. Some people call him stern, but that is only at first; one loses the idea on a nearer acquaintance. You will soon see him, and you can judge for yourselves; he will be over here to call shortly, so will all the rest of the neighborhood: you will have some visitors to-day, if I am not mistaken, and each successive day, it is probable, for some time. Mrs. Burleigh of the Priory' is coming today; do you know her by appearance?" "No, indeed," said Mrs. Wyndham; "I that was what made him so anxious for an exchange, to get away from this place. Then there is Doctor Price, who almost breaks his do not know one individnal in the parish | to her to accept him. But rectory and recfrom another; but in time I hope we shall." tor she would not hear of, and it is suspected "No! then, in that case the very best thing I can do will be to enlighten you as to the who, and what, of the people you are likely to see it may smooth the way to bet-neck running after her (speaking figuratively ter acquaintance." 66 You are very kind." son, of course); but she looks askance at him too. The doctor is a nice fellow, very good"Let me see: I shall begin with Landeris looking, agreeable, and gentlemanlike, in a Hall; there it is across the water. Though I capital practice, drives a good horse, gives am giving it the precedence, I need not, for you the pleasantest medicine in the world if it may be long enough before you see any of you are ill, and well or ill, the latest news that family. They are scattered abroad on in both town or country. To sum up all the face of the earth, as we say of the Jews the doctor is absolutely necessary to our -India, Italy, and Canada; no one lives town; I do not know what we would do there now but care-takers. That place is the without him. He would be a capital match property of old Mr. Herbert's eldest for any one. I heard he once admired Miss who got it after his mother's death, during Julia Beckford, but her uncle, the colonel, to his father's lifetime, according to a marriage whom he gave some intimation of his state settlement. The old gentleman, as we style of mind, was very angry, and swore at poor him, though he is not very old, married a Price for not knowing his place better, as if daughter of the late Earl Granby; this pro- it was any sin to lose his heart to the young perty was hers, and at her death, four or five lady. But the Beckfords are just eaten up years ago, Mr. Vernon Herbert got it. with pride. It would occupy me ten days to There is one other son, John, who holds a tell you of one half their airs and impudences. government appointment in India. He went I mean, when I know Dr. Wyndham a little out two or three years ago. Since Lady more, to ask him, whenever he sees the Charlotte Herbert's death they have never Beckfords in church, to give a touch-up in lived here: the father took some state ap- the sermon about pride. There are the pointment in Canada, and the owner, Mr. father, mother, two daughters (one is away Vernon, only makes flying visits, here to-day from home just now), and the uncle I spoke and away to-morrow, never giving time for of. Now these young ladies are so highly any show of civility towards him. He al- educated, so highly finished, such high arways calls to see Mrs. Selwyn, but she never tists, such high musicians, and high riders, or speaks of it till he is gone, and that, you will rather flyers, and finally, so highly connected, say, is full late. The young man is rather that forsooth, though they honor us with an misanthropical; has a strong dislike to soci- occasional call, they deem themselves conferety; looks as if he spent all his leisure mo-ring a high compliment, and profess intimaments reading novels of a dark, mysterious cy only with the county families. Pshaw, it character, fancying himself the hero of makes one sick to think of their proud ways. them all. But you do not know who Mrs. They are undoubtedly wonderful musicians— Selwyn is. I must tell you of her. She was sing, play, and that sort of thing. But what the only daughter of Mr. Harlowe, who held of that? one could hear as good as theirs in this living previous to Mr. Cooper's coming. any concert-room in London for a shilling She married old Jones Selwyn who drank any morning in the week, and no complihimself to death about a year after Mr. Har- ment considered, except on your part for atlowe's. She was left with one little girl; tending. They perfectly swear by Sir Henry such a sweet, innocent creature as Nannie and Lady Clare, fall down and worship the Selwyn is. Her pretty mamma has a good whole Granby family, hunt poor Mr. Henry many admirers, but she looks coldly on them Duckett to the death, sigh and flirt with Sir all. I know of her having had several most Stephen Norris and his brother;-but I advantageous offers, but she is a regular must really tell you of the Norrises; they simpleton. Mr. Cooper offered, I know; and are the most eligible people I know of for admiring her greatly, he counted on her you, young ladies. They live here almost love for her old home being an inducement all the year round, not disappearing annually into that aristocracy sink, the Continent,' as so many people do. They are both bachelors with independent fortunes! They are what is called their own father and mother,' having no one's consent to ask but the lady's, before perpetrating matrimony. "Look out of the window, that end one; there, towards the right, appearing out of the trees, you will see two chimneys; those are the Norrises. Why do you smile? Of course, I mean the chimneys of their house. It belongs to Sir Stephen; and Mr. Robert, who is the younger, lives with him. Mr. Robert is such a nice young man, so very good-natured and pleasant, always ready to do any thing asked of him, short of popping the question. But I dare say some day or other he will be ready to do that also. He is about the medium height; not what you would call regularly handsome, but very tolerable in his general appearance; his hair is what is called in books Saxon.' Now I may not be just the most competent person in the world to give an opinion, not having lived in the time when as that sweet little poem says, "In England the Saxons once did sway." as he can? My mother also desires her compliments to you, Mrs. Wyndham; she regrets extremely her inability to wait upon you herself; but the distance is too great for her to walk, and we have ceased keeping a conveyance. She is so nervous, she cannot endure to be driven by a servant, or at least an ordinary one, so she is quite at the mercy of our acquaintances. Mr. Cooper was so kind; Brocket, his man, was so faithful, so trustworthy; and when Mr. Cooper was not able to call for her himself, he used to send Brocket and the phaeton for her; indeed, in that way, Mr. Cooper's removal was a sincere loss to her. I know not what we shall do. But I hope you will soon call and see her. My sister desired her apologies; she is suffering from such a bad cold at present-and a cold in summer is so difficult to be got rid of. I miss her so much when she is ill. I have no one to walk with; which reminds me of another peculiarity in this neighborhood. It is a species of Noah's ark, for all the people hunt in couples. There are, my sister and myself; the two Miss Beckfords; the two Miss Burleighs; two pairs of Miss Whittlefields; the two Mr. Norrises; and, I think it a matter for little wonder that their though last, not least, the two Miss Wyndline of kings ceased in England as soon as hams. How well your flower-beds are lookit did, if they at all resemble their descend-ing, Mrs. Wyndham, and the monthly roses, ants, any that I have ever met with. too. Good-morning! Mrs. Wyndham; pray don't forget my respects to the doctor. Good-morning! Miss Wyndham. Do you think there is any appearance of rain? Don't stir, I beg; good-morning." 66 IIas it ever struck you, Miss Wyndham, that gentlemen who had these peculiar, flaxen-colored locks were in every instance men of less understanding, less ability, less firmness, and undoubtedly less common sense, And having fired her last volley, Miss than those who were of a darker hue? I Jones departed. Frances stood for a few am quite convinced of it: even the red- seconds, watching her retreating figure aphaired Norman is a far more preferable speci-pearing and disappearing among the elm-trees down the avenue, till the last glimpse seen, she laughed loud and merrily. men of the human race." “Indeed, Miss Jones, the idea is so new, I cannot venture to give an opinion. I must call over a mental muster roll of all my gentlemen acquaintance first; it is such a sweeping condemnation, that charity forbids me to acquiesce too hastily." "Certainly not! take as long as you will to consider the matter, I never force any one to receive my opinions; but, long or short, you will come round to mine in the end. But I must be moving. Will you present my mother's compliments to Dr. Wyndham, that as we have no gentleman at present at home to call upon him, we hope he will take the will for the deed, and come to see us as often "Why, Frances," said her mother, inquiringly, "what amuses you now? "Our visitor, mamma; I wonder if she is an ordinary specimen of papa's new flock! How she talked, and what she talked! O Margaret! if the rest are like her, I foresee we shall have a great deal of amusement in the study of their characters. Were you not sadly inclined to laugh several times at the queer things she said?" 66 Now, my dear Frances," said her mother, "you have a little propensity to satire, I know, and I beg you will not indulge in it at the expense of our new neighbors. The the day on which the first con.mandment given to man in Paradise leaves leisure, and the ears open for the receptacle of words which the wise man tells us, "when spoken in due season, how good are they; " words which, if put rightly, with the right blessing of the Most High, will ring out again, gloriously and joyfully, not only in the next six days' toil and trouble, but through “ages yet unborn." world is full of good people, if we were not | trations. One day in every seven the clergyso childishly taken by the outside, that we man becomes the most prominent individual often forget to look for the kernel. Indeed, from what your papa has told me, the people are inclined to meet him very kindly, and I do say, we owe the world a great deal of forbearence about people's failings, if it is for nothing else than to show some little gratitude for all the blessings we have. Though we are not very rich, we have been permitted to spend another portion of our lives together, and it is clearly a duty to judge mercifully of our neighbors, febles. We never deserved so many blessings. Did you see my garden scissors?" "No, ma'; but I am certain I see two young turkeys moving in the long grass." "Ah! their legs will be broken before I can reach them ;" and off went Mrs. Wyndham full charge after the turkeys, evidently persuaded in her own mind that these troublesome little animals were one of the blessings of a country life, and as such, should be duly appreciated. In the meantime, Miss Jones had walked rapidly towards the village, burning with eagerness to discharge her information-guns at every man, woman, and child she met. Had she not been the first to storm the clerical citadel? had she not talked with the garrison? could she not give the first information as to their numbers, and a great deal more besides in little points connected with the inhabitants ? a Only those who are acquainted with town like Landeris can understand the excitement, the curiosity, the speculation, caused by the advent of a new inhabitant. Only one who has lived in such a town (for their name is Legion) can understand how little will suffice to set every tongue in motion. Is it, then, a little thing the coming of one among these people? Is his post so unimportant, his influence so light, that we should call it a thing of no moment? Oh no; God forbid ! In saying all this, I do not mean that this feeling was what produced the commotion in Landeris on this occasion. One or two may have had a few passing thoughts such as these, but the majority were "mentally nearsighted;" and when that is the case, I am afraid there is no optician in all the world who could supply the want that nature left, and education failed to supply. Every one in the world requires some object of interest in life, women as well as men ; and the formation of character depends in no slight degree on what that object may have been during early years--the time when (there admits no second opinion) habits of thought and action are most easily formed. Those who have health, wealth, and friends in superfluity, must find different objects from those who have a scanty supply of any of the three. The first have means at command to procure change of scene and occupation, which prevent them centring all their ideas on one focus. From pure ignorance of the wants of others, this class is more frequently Now the coming of a new clergyman may a selfish one than that of a lower social seem a common, everyday occurrence. Do order, whose struggle year after year for life we ever lift a newspaper, that, under the-life to be merely sustained-is all their head of "The Church," we do not see that toil can compass; and yet they are unselfish from half-a-dozen to a dozen clergymen have in the midst of all. People who never been promoted to, or resigned, or accepted various posts throughout the kingdom; and it reads as if it were a very little thing indeed. Some eight or ten words contain the whole, and yet it would be as impossible to number the stars as to foretell the various thoughts and feelings, producing such various scenes and actions, as may be called forth by the pastor's daily, weekly, and hourly minis knew, from the cradle to the grave, one hour of self-gratification, can still find time to stretch out a hand to help some one more weary than themselves. Feeling begets feeling; and while each year sees some grow more narrow-hearted, more self-centered, the sphere of interest of others is widening, stretching to hundreds to whom even sympathy is grateful. This is a noble class: as |