mind, and elbowing her way through the nauseous crowd (some sleeping, some swearing) she stood in insolent defiance before the excellent Mr. Lascelles. "Your name is Priddel, madam?" Yes, Sir, my name is Hannah Priddel at your service.' "May I ask, Madam, is this a public-house?" "I don't feel much of a mind to answer questions, Sir." "Very well, Madam; let me see (writing), Farmer, who is that poor wretch on the floor?" That, Sir, is Farmer Newton's carter, and that is John Clark, and there are five maid-servants belonging to my neighbours, and there is my William's brother and James Newcome." "And pray, Mr. Moss," said Mrs. Priddel, "what business have you in my house?" "We're going, Madam," said Mr. L. "you'll hear from me to-morrow."-They returned home, and he observed to Moss what a disadvantage it was to a village, the non-residence of the clergy. No moral clergyman of the Establishment could suffer such gross profaneness immediately under his own eye. He knew the residence of a 'Squire had its disadvantages, bringing town servants; but even that is not worse than the beastly scene we have just left. "In the parish where I at present reside, and where I have some influence, I have not been

able to conquer that bad habit of Sunday company. The daughters come to church to shew their clothes; the son is frequently smoking with the company at home, and when he does come to church, seems hardly to know what part of his Prayer-Book to turn to. I would desire to encourage even the appearance of good in them, yet their want of reverence so distracts me, that I have frequently wished them away; I believe they do not know as much of their duty to God as many of our poor children in the Sunday-School, from a foolish notion they imbibed early of being too genteel to learn with the poor children: so that they have little knowledge of any kind, none on religious subjects."

By this time they reached the farm, and separated for the night. A fine October morning, brilliant, clear, and bracing, rose on the new rector, who, after breakfast, asked the farmer if he might request the guidance of the lad whom he first met, the preceding evening; "I think you called him Michael." The farmer seemed to hesitate. Mr. Lascelles said, if he was engaged it was not material. 'I do not exactly know where he is, Sir, he rises very early, and may be at some distant part of the farm; Cicely, go seek Michael.' He was

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in the stable, taking an inventory of those things under his care; and putting up his papers carefully, waited Mr. Lascelles' orders. Michael, this gentleman wishes you to shew him the village." Yes, Sir.' As they left the house, Mr. L. asked the lad to fetch the keys of the rectory: but this necessity ceased, for cap in hand came the clerk, to know "if he could oblige his honour, and if his honour had any commands, and if his reverence would please to see the church, and if his honour would see the house?" bowing between every question, and leaving no space for reply. At length Mr. Lascelles said, "Give me the keys of the house, and let some one open the church, I should like to look at it.' Mr. L. smiled, and, turning to Michael, said, "You had a curiosity to see the house?" "Yes, Sir, I had." "And I wished to have a little private conversation with you: I think you know Mr. Walker, of P." I do indeed, Sir: he has been the kindest friend to me; I am one of his poor boys; I owe him all the knowledge I have of the Scriptures.'

6

Mr. L. I have heard him speak of you: I inquired for him of Dr. Collis concerning you, by letter, how your master approved your ser

vices, and I was highly pleased to be able to send good accounts.

Michael blushed-" I much fear, Sir, you could not be pleased with the manner in which I was spending yesterday evening."

Mr. L. I am far from thinking you were sinfully employed, taking a quiet walk. I know from experience that a walk in a mild evening rather leads me to GOD than diverts me from him.

Michael. But, Sir, I feel ashamed that I should not fear to trifle before God, and yet seek to hide from an excellent earthly friend the wrong I was conscious of committing.

Mr. L. My good young man, this is an infirmity to which we are all prone; forgetting the eye which is ever upon us, and trifling in his presence, whereas we are very anxious to wipe every stain from our character in the sight of a fellow creature.

Michael. What a very great comfort it is, Sir, to have such a gentleman as you are coming down to me, as one may say: it gives hope in the midst of discouragement, it comforts the wounded conscience.

Mr. L. Keep your conscience tender, my lad: a tender conscience preserves us safe.

By this time the key was in the hall-door, and the situation of the hall chairs, the old lamp, and every window closed, gave the impression of death to the scene. Michael immediately proceeded to open the windows and divert the gloom of the excellent Mr. Lascelles. Jem truly said his aunt did keep things aired, but there was much wanted after nine years' absence; and the myrtle was dead which had been trained so carefully over Mrs. Lascelles' dressing-room window; the flowers in her nice garden were totally neglected, and none but a feeling and delicate mind could allow for all our good rector was suffering at this retrospect, this step into past life, and the still yet faithful memorials of the furniture around. The house wanted much repair, and ought long since to have been examined: the floor of one attic was quite ruined by the damp. "This is sad negligence, but it falls where it ought, I only am to blame: Dr. Collis always said he could not reside; and his curate was a man of family and fashion, and it could not be expected he should. Well, I must see about gardeners, carpenters, and masons; things must be put in order; I have a delicate wife and two dear little girls; and though I cannot help passing through these rooms with a sigh, when I trace again