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takes pleasure in hearing the trivial verses read by him, or by his own sons. From ballads he may speedily form some taste for diverting and instructive stories in prose; and it is so natural for the mind to imbibe nourishment, that I have little doubt he will come on to relish all good books: and he that has attained a capacity for such amusement, is independent of company to kill time.”

“Thanks and blessings to you, my dear Roger," said Terence, "for the ray of hope, that our kind-hearted Dick will not only give up the detestable practice to which he has all his life flown as a refuge from discord, and from his own vacancy of thought; but that he may be educated imperceptibly to valuable pursuits and pleasures. Dick's house too will be more comfortable for Lewis, who has so long been accustomed to good accommodation."

"Here I differ from you," said Roger; "for I know Lewis's sentiments; and that if he does agree to reside with Dick, it will be a sacrifice of his own comfort to brotherly affection and duty. He has often said to me: “The world thinks Dick far more fortunate than Terence, because he has the very best farm-house and furniture in the country, and is worth more money than any man in his station ; but with all these advantages, when I compare the measure of sincere enjoyment experienced by Terence to the mere outward satisfactions possessed by Dick, I must feel that Terence has the largest share of true wealth. Dick has a large, commodious, well-finished house, suitably furnished, and kept in the nicest order-the best victuals drest in the best manner, (for Betty is a capital servant and complete cook,) but all that can please the eye or the palate soon becomes too familiar to afford enjoyment;-and the jarring of husband and wife, the disquiet of ungovernable children, or their lamenta tions for unprofitable chastisement, are evils that never

cease

cease to give pain to themselves, or their visitors. Terence, to be sure, has a small house, inconvenient, and without any ornament but the most exact neatness and regu larity-yet the white-washed walls, the coarse-formed utensils, and plain fare, have an air of heartfelt comfort, from the cheerful content, the mutual kindness, the moral and intellectual superiority of the family. The most common actions or intercourse derive grace and dignity from individual worth. I would prefer bread and milk with Terence, his amiable wife, and well-managed children, to a feast with Dick; where not one word will be heard that can excite a laudable emotion, or confirm one pious or virtuous principle.”

"Indeed," said Terence, "I would not exchange my hidden treasures for Dick's visible wealth ;-but I hope he may become a partaker of these unobtrusive delights. Whenever Lewis can bear to be spoken to, Lizzy and you may gradually communicate your project. It would not do for me to interfere, as Lewis has lived with us, and it might seem as if we wished to part with him—which, heaven knows, is far from our thoughts. He has paid us liberally, and his company and conversation was a neverfailing gratification."

"Lizzy and I can talk of our wishes and hopes, as we sit beside Lewis," said Roger; " and it will give him time to reflect and make up his mind. If he approves, he will enter on the proposal himself. If he cannot reconcile his delicacy to the task we would assign him, he will be silent, and we must not immolate his happiness intirely to Dick's. With all his excellent qualities, Lewis has a dif fidence of himself and an irresolution that require great caution on our part, lest we involve him in an undertaking above his fortitude, and make him miserable."

Another week passed, and Lewis recovered by such

slow

slow degrees that he spoke to nobody, except to ask what was necessary, or to thank his tender vigilant sister and brothers for their attendance. Roger and Lizzy had fully canvassed the project for Dick's thorough information, as they sat beside the patient; but they expressed no wish that he would engage to take the active concern in imparting to Dick some taste for domestic entertainments. Lewis, however, perceived that he having time at command, would be most likely to succeed in that attempt. Since his illness he never had mentioned Dick, yet in all the time, the poor penitent was seldom absent from his room, though out of view, tortured with doubts whether Lewis would ever forgive him. The suspence was dreadful for his feelings, though salutary for his principles. One Saturday afternoon, when the brothers and their wives, and Lizzy, with her sensible respectable spouse, were assembled in Lewis's room, by his own desire-he said, where is our brother Dick? I have gathered from your conversations at different times, that he has vowed to renounce intemperance; and if I had but one wish to obtain on earth, it would be to save my dear brother from the ruin of his prosperous worldly circumstances, and from eternal perdition. Oh! what agonizing forebodings have I suffered on his account! Dick could contain himself no longer. He sprung from his concealment, threw himself on his knees before Lewis's bed, and, holding up his hands, cried out with vehemence: "Wretch that I am! I have almost kilt him that saved me from worser than death. If I saw you on your legs again, that would be blessings indeed. God knows my heart, I would give its last drop of blood to do you good."

"You can do me a great deal of good," said Lewis. "Och! speak the word, and I am off to do it," said Dick. "I dont want you to be off," said Lewis-" I want to

be

be always with you. I have a fancy for ballads. You have a charming voice-but it is not every ballad that pleases me--will you have patience to listen to a great many; and try airs to them, till I fix on those I like best."

If every day was as long as midsummer I would sit by you a score of years," said Dick, "if you would but let me hear the sound of your words in any way.'

"Will you let me have a room in your house then, Dick," said Lewis.

"Yes, and the whole house, and every thing in it to command," said Dick..." What would DICK CONNEL be now but for you."

"I want to be your boarder only, Dick," said Lewis. "Your wife and I will agree on that point; she understands bargains better than you. But you promise to hear me or vour sons read ballads."

"Have I not promised once," said Dick, a little indignantly. Rap though I be, as I said to you once before, I have that of the ould lady's good teaching, that I scor a lie or a shabby trick."

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Forgive me, dear Dick," said Lewis, "I am a little whimsical you see about ballads."

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Forgive you, dear lad," said Dick.-Yes, if you broke my head, but dont be after doubting my word again. I have vowed against the whisky, and all strong gear, and I promise to listen, and listen, to the biggest book, or books, that ever were filled with ballads."

"Then you will stay at home, and not throw away your cash," said Betty.-" Blessed, blessed, hour! Oh Lewis, you are a brother indeed! You will stay with us long, and

ever!"

"I cannot engage myself for any fixed time, Betty," said Lewis; for to be plain with you, I shall not be able to reconcile myself to remain a month, if you speak unkindly

to

to your husband or children. You must promise me to put all your boys and girls under my government; and never to interfere between us. I have told you more than once the dismal experience I had in my own person, of the labour a child must undergo in conquering bad habits; and if discouraged, it is impossible for him to persevere. You have told me with floods of tears the faults of your family. I ask only that you will leave them to me, and I dare to promise they will become better. I must also have some share in governing your baby. You are spoiling him as fast as you can; and preparing for him much unprofitable correction when he is a little older.”

Betty agreed to every proposal: she knew Lewis was rich, and that consideration determined her views, and restrained her temper against all the irritation she felt when Lewis disapproved of any part of her conduct with the chil dren, during this conversation, which was prolonged throughout the evening. From this time Lewis recovered daily.

Extreme depression of spirits, and nervous relaxation were the worst symptoms of his malady; and the exertion of speaking so earnestly acted as a tonic. Roger's generous mind felt the warmest esteem for Terence's concurrence in measures evidently adverse to his interest and satisfaction. He waited upon the farmer who occupied the ground between Dick's farm and the town, and prevailed with him to give up his lease for a moderate premium, in case Lewis should wish to take the farm. The fact was, that this man was willing to quit it. It was much too contracted for the scale on which he inclined to go, but it was very suitable for Terence. Lewis was overjoyed to find a place for him within half-a-mile of Dick's house, and Dick with the utmost readiness agreed that his horses and servants should labour the small farm for his brother, and leave him at liberty to continue the office of a teacher, VOL. II.

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