music, but of the two, this she thought less exceptionable, and Symphony Modish was put apprentice to a master of that profession, and at a proper time was sent to Brighton, to make connections, which might assist him in his musical talents. At this period a person was much wanted to tune instruments by the gentleman who kept the library on the Marine Parade, and Mr. Symphony Modish succeeded to the employment. The situation procured him a few scholars, and as he taught at a reduced price, he was employed at a few of the small seminaries. Chance, it was supposed, directed Mr. Symphony Modish's steps to Sir Timothy Flight's, to harmonize the Baronet's forte piano; but the scandalous world said that he was sent into Sussex, on purpose to get introduced to Sir Timothy, as it was generally known, he was passionately fond of music. If such was really the motive of his being sent to Brighton, it fully answered his most sanguine expec

tations, for he was a little insignificant being, who would prove useful to a young man of fashion; as he could run errands, talk scandal, tye Miss Shark's sash, wash her lap-dog, or do any other dirty work that was required. With these accomplishments he soon got a footing in the Baronet's house, which was a subject of great joy to Mr. Abraham Modish; but as he was a wise man, and paid great attention to old adages, he thought two strings to his bow better than one; he therefore sent his eldest son to visit his brother in Brighton; and in a few posts the old couple and their elegant daughter were agreeably surprised at hearing that they had obtained Sir Timothy Flight as a client.

Mr. Alexander Modish had nothing in his person or manner to recommend him, as assuredly Dame Nature had been niggardly in her bounty to him; but he was sensible, well educated, and, when

he chose to exert his abilities, was a most agreeable companion; therefore it was not astonishing that he should gain the confidence and friendship of the Baronet. Now the next thing to be done was to account to Sir Timothy for the miserable. establishment of Mr. Abraham Modish's family; but, as has been already observed, Mr. Modish had very superior abilities, and great discernment: he soon found the weak side of Sir Timothy; therefore, when the old gentleman was introduced to his new client, he regretted that he was not in a situation to pay him that attention which he ardently wished. to do; but he had experienced very great misfortunes, and he wept-"ye gods, how he did weep!" The humane and generous Baronet was shocked at seeing an old man shed tears: he entreated him to be comforted, and requested to be informed of the nature of those griefs under which he laboured, as, if possible, he would assist him. Mr. Abraham Mo

dish, after several sobs, hums, and ha's, said that his beloved wife was a West Indian; that she was a lady of great family, and possessed an ample fortune, which, with his business, used to support them in that style of elegance to which they had been accustomed from their infancy; but of late years West India property had decreased in value so considerably, and having himself been confined for six years with repeated indispositions, added to which (but it was repugnant to his feelings to mention the event which had nearly ruined them), he had been so foolish, for he never could bear to see people in distress, to be bound in the sum of six thousand pounds for a friend, and he ungenerously had left Mr. Abraham Modish to discharge the debt. All these afflictions had incapacitated him for business; and as Mrs. Modish had great family pride, it had nearly broke her heart that Symphony Modish should lower himself to teach

music; but he was an amiable young man, had a tender heart, and, unknown

to the family, had engaged to dies of fashion in that science.

assist laThis had

also so mortified his daughter, who was a gentle creature, though she had also a proper pride, that for two years she had not spoken to her brother, in consequence of his degrading himself and family.

Sir Timothy Flight felt for this distressed and noble family, and consulted with Mr. Alexander Modish, who shewed his accustomed delicacy on the occasion, how he could assist his father without wounding such fine feelings as he possessed. Mr. Alexander Modish recommended that a double set of chambers should be taken in the Temple; that they should be fitted up very handsomely, as he observed that the world too frequently judges from appearances: this would strike the ignorant, and others would have no fears of trusting their concerns in the hands of persons of such