More than a fortnight elapsed without any news reaching them, when, one afternoon, while they were seated in the same parlour where we first found them, watching the bright fire's blaze (for the pale and watery sun had sunk below the horizon), they were startled by a tall, dark shadow in front of the window. "Oh, it is the bishop!" exclaimed Mary, as she sprang from the low stool on which she had placed herself, by her grandfather's knee-" he is come to tell us we are to stay." The pastor thought differently; he felt that the bishop's visit to his humble home was more likely intended to soften the blow which awaited him, than to announce good tidings. And the curate was right. The bishop's first application had been unsuccessful— he had essayed again—and had even proposed to provide some other curacy for the gentleman to whom the one of Tylehurst had been promised-but in vain; there was a perseverance on the part of his friend that vexed him; and he told his disappointment with all the tenderness and consideration a good and kind-hearted man would feel when forced to pain another. The aged pastor, on hearing the result, raised his hands to heaven, saying, "God's will be done! the workhouse must be our shelter, for I am penniless!" The cry of distress that broke from Mary's lips as she threw herself on her grandfather's breast, as though she would shield him from his impending fate, awoke the deepest sympathy in the bishop's heart. "Must they, then, be driven hence? is there no alternative?" he asked himself; when suddenly a new thought occurred,-his promise had been given, but no forms had yet been gone through-his friend had not been inducted to this living-and seizing the curate's arm, he exclaimed-" But one course is left me: I cannot command the curacy, but I will give you the living." The old man wildly started up, and "Will you by !" issued from his lips; but in an instant, his face became crimson, his lips trembled, and he had nigh fallen to the ground from excess of shame and confusion. During a long life, such an expression had never stained the purity of his lips, had never sullied the holiness of his language-and now, before his bishop, to have thus forgotten himself! Mary-his gentle Mary-either disbelieved her senses or feared for her grandfather's reason,-both child and sire remained motionless, with downcast eyes, awaiting the censure which would doubtless crush their new-born hopes, and rebuke the old man's sin.

But the kind-hearted prelate saw it all; he knew the frailty of the best of mortals, and felt that he had overtasked the heart-stricken and aged curate's mind by his precipitancy in holding out such an unlooked for prospect of earthly good. No rebuke hovered near his lips-pity was his only feeling for the aged being, who appeared sinking under the weight of the impious expression he had unguardedly and unintentionally uttered, and, with the kindness of an angel's heart, he sought to raise the humbled man by debasing himself, as he exclaimed-" By I will!"

The aged curate-the young girl-were in an instant at his feet,both felt the value of that echoed oath. The old man prized the promise which raised him from beggary to wealth, but he adored the delicacy which had restored him to himself, and taken from his cheek the blush of shame. Meekly and reverently his spirit turned for pardon from the bishop to his God,-but where human love had been so indulgent to error, could he doubt of divine mercy!

66

AUTHOR OF THE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN."

EARLY in March, and nearly twelve at night, I arrived at the well-known inn at Salt-Hill, cold and weary. The host received me with a profusion of smiles and bows, holding the stirrup while I dismounted, and offering to see my horse attended to while I obtained those little consolatory indispensables-refreshments. But a sportsman's maxim being to attend personally to the wants of his horse ere he attends to himself, I declined the offer, and proceeded to the stable with my favourite.

"A likely hanimal, this ere oss, sir," remarked a little bandylegged ostler.

"Yes," I said; "there never was a better. The rasper cannot be too great, nor the run too long."

"So I ad a hidea from his shape-an'-make, sir. Bit of a warmint, tho', I suspect."

"He is very high couraged, yet an excellent temper," I replied. "Them's my pips! Nothin' like blood-an'-bone from the queen to the oss, sir. I know'd he was the right sort. I should think I was a bit of a judge," said the egotistical ostler, with a self-satisfied chuckle. "The throw off will be unusually great to-morrow," I said. “Have you any gentlemen sleeping here?"

"No we ain't, sir; only von. Our stalls, 'owever, is full o' osses; and taking the lump, I never see'd greater clippers. But," he added, laughing, "I 'spect some on 'em 'll shake their tails a few afore tomorrow at this time; for old Ripley's to be turned out, I 'ear. Mr. Davis gives a brexfast to-morrow morning," he continued; "and her Majesty is a comin' to see the hanimal turned out. There will be a set of muffs a riskin' of their precious necks, I've a hidea."

This was no news to me. The papers had announced the intention of the Queen to honour the last day of the season with her presence, and great were the preparations made by all classes to join in the sport. Saddles, bridles, boots, coats, spurs and whips, received an extra rub and polish. Many, who never intended to risk the chances of the chase, determined to stand the hazard of the die for once, and metamorphose themselves into daring Nimrods.

"That oss next to yourn belongs to the gen❜lman wot's sleeping 'ere. A wery spicy kid he is, and no mistake," observed my loquacious friend.

I looked at the animal, and, to my delight, saw that it was my friend McDonald's picture of a horse. He was a superb animal. His blood as pure as that of the Ptolemies, and black and shining as the polished jet. His limbs were perfect symmetry, and shaped in Nature's faultless mould.

"That is the only horse I ever coveted," I said; " and yet I think my own can do as much across a stiff country."

"A uncommon good match they'd be, by what I can judge, sir. Howsomdever," addressing the horse, "you're done up for this night, my boy; and if I don't mistake, you'll be done up to-morrow night, haw! haw! haw!"

I smiled at the intended facetiousness of the remark, and proceeded

to the house, where I found McDonald comfortably sprawled upon a sofa before a roasting fire, smoking cigars and joking with a pretty smart chambermaid, who was holding a candle and warming pan.

As soon as he saw me, he sprung up, and seizing my hand, said, "My dear fellow, how are you? I was just going to my dormitory, not having any one to talk to, except Susan here, who began to get tired. Susan, my dear, take away that candle and sheet-warmer, we intend making ourselves comfortable previous to availing ourselves of your kindness. Now, my boy, for the feast of reason and the flow of soul."

After discussing some excellent viands and divers quantities of foaming ale, we commenced relating anecdotes and adventures over a bowl of punch of capacious dimensions.

"I will tell you how I managed to obtain Ellen's consent," said McDonald, after some previous conversation. "As you know, we are to be married this day week. To mention, in a direct manner, my wish, was impossible, out of pure gallantry-bless her heart! However, I managed it like an artful old fox. Ellen,' I said, 'you must persuade the governor to take you to the hunt on Thursday; the scene will be extremely gratifying.' Papa has already offered to do so,' she replied; but I shall not go unless you accompany us.' 'Nothing would give me greater pleasure,' I said; but promising you never to hunt again, of course the affair is impossible.' 'But you can ride with us and see it,' she replied. "Ride in the carriage and see it!' I said it would break my heart; and,' added I, in an under tone, just sufficient for her to hear me, 'it will almost, if I keep away.' "If you could have seen her at that moment, God bless her! she looked so beautifully unhappy-her large blue eyes filled with tears— I felt such a rascal! But Heaven forgive me! I thought more at that moment of to-morrow's fun, than her tears. 'You wish to ride,' she said, do you?' I placed my arm round her taper waist, and giving her a kiss, whispered, ' If you allow me this once, it shall be the last.'

I awoke about seven. The "glorious orb of day" tinged the sky with varied and glowing hues; the refreshing tears of morning sparkled brilliantly upon Flora's lap; the birds sang joyously their matin thanksgivings, setting a worthy example to beings of a larger growth: -In plainer language, it was a very fine morning.

Under my window lounged a careless-looking, handsome young man, smoking a cigar. He was equipped in scarlet and top-boots, and occasionally sung a verse or two of a sporting song. Upwards of fifty noble horses were being paraded in their clothes up and down a paddock, in front of my window, taking a sniff of the morning air, which, by the learned in equestrian science, is deemed indispensable previous to great exertion. My horse was among the number; and as he proudly arched his neck, and disdained to touch the earth with his daisy-trimmers, I determined he should this day win a wreath of laurel, by putting his best leg foremost.

Carriages, tandems, buggies, gigs, dog-carts, donkey-carts, coaches, omnibuses, waggons, every description of vehicle, from the ancient and dilapidated to the most dashing modern four-in-hand, now came rattling to the door. "Here he comes! Here he comes!" shouted a hundred voices. Five or six hundred yards from us a beautiful carriage with four horses approached. The harness and trappings were covered with silver, which glittered in the sun; and as if conscious of their

the

attractive appearance, the high-blooded animals lifted their feet nearly to their chests, as they came tearing along. It was Lord Master of the Hounds, and his friends, consisting of young sporting noblemen. His lordship was driving, and as he pulled up at the inn, and threw the reins from his hand, the people gave a hearty cheer.

Preparations were now made for the sport. Some were mounting, others were dismounting against their inclination; and as a new disciple of Nimrod found himself biting the dust in a sprawling attitude, loud laughed the crowd, much to the discomfiture of the fallen hero.

It was just eleven, when an elegant little carriage, drawn by two white ponies, came quickly along the road. In this quiet and unostentatious style approached the Queen. A diminutive, ragged, shoeless urchin lifted the remnants of a straw hat from his head, as the carriage passed him, which was most graciously acknowledged by her Majesty. The well intended and studied politeness of the little fellow was returned with more observance than to the highest in the kingdom. As the carriage neared, the loud cheers caused many of the horses to rear and become very restive. McDonald, who had been talking to some ladies in a carriage, joined in the hurrahs! But no sooner had he given one shout than his horse gave a furious plunge in the air, whirled round and round, snorted with distended nostrils, and his eyeballs shooting fire. At every plunge he neared the carriage where the ladies he had left were sitting. McDonald appeared glued to the saddle, and used every exertion to prevent approaching the spot where the ladies were. The horse's fury increased, and when within a few yards of the carriage, finding no other means left, McDonald plunged the rowels deeply into his flanks, and lunging him with all his power, hurled the excited animal to the ground. One of the ladies screamed "He's killed! he's killed!" and sunk upon the seat of the carriage; but McDonald, to the astonishment of all who witnessed the accident, was not in the slightest degree injured, and disengaging himself from the stirrups, he struck the prostrate horse, and making him rise, mounted again as if nothing had occurred, amid innumerable cheers and compliHe proceeded to the carriage, where I joined him, and found the lady, who had fainted, a young and beautiful girl, just recovering from her fright. The dazzling brilliancy of her eyes was most striking, increased no doubt by the excitement she had undergone. Her lips were white with fear, and although suffering under intense emotion, a more lovely creature I never saw.

"Ellen," said McDonald, "don't be so alarmed; I'm not injured. Come, come, let me introduce my friend to you."

As I bowed, and saw her swimming eyes, I thought a day's hunting was dearly purchased by giving her a moment's uneasiness.

"Pray,” she said, addressing me, "prevail upon him not to ride that mad wretch, for I, apparently, have no influence. Oh, do not, Donald! pray do not!"

"Ellen, do not be so childish. You gave me your consent to ride, and because Black Prince had a caper, you now wish me to look very like a man-milliner, and get into that bandbox of a carriage. A pretty exhibition I should make!" replied McDonald, somewhat irritated.

"Well, well!" said she, "do as you please, Donald. But really you make me very unhappy."

He then went close to her, and leaning upon the side of the car

riage, whispered something which made the anxious girl in a moment appear consoled and happy. Her features beamed with sunny smiles, and all remains of tears were at once dispelled. I entertained no doubt but that it was a promise not to proceed, and merely start with the hounds for the sake of appearance. This, however, was but surmise. Lord with his gold dog-couples slung across his shoulders, the badge of Master to her Majesty's Hounds, proceeded to the royal carriage to inquire "if her Majesty wished the stag to be thrown off then, all things being prepared." An assent being returned, all moved towards the deer-cart, placed in the centre of a spacious grass field. The appearance of the cortège at this moment was imposing in the extreme. At least five hundred gentlemen, attired in scarlet and mounted on the finest horses, lined the road on each side for the Queen's carriage to pass; numerous vehicles, filled with England's fairest daughters, followed; then came crowds of pedestrians, the light of gratification glowing in every face. After them slowly followed the royal hounds, accompanied with the huntsman and whippers-in, splendidly accoutred in scarlet and gold.

Expectation being roused to the utmost, the signal was given for the deer-cart to be unfastened. Open flew the door, and out leaped the noble antlered monarch of the forest, his horns gaily trimmed with "ribands rare, streaming in the wind." He stood for an instant, as if contemplating the multitude before him; then, turning round with head erect and outstretched limbs, he sniffed the wind, and determined what course to take. After a measured haughty step or two, as if scorning to seem afraid, away he bounded. I lingered near the carriage where McDonald's devoted Ellen sat; and as he was leaving, I saw her give him a searching look.

"Heaven bless you, dearest! Remember your promise," she said. But he could scarcely have heard what she uttered, for the moment his horse felt that he was to move, he bounded in the air like an antelope, and curvetted with delight, anticipating the enjoyment that was to follow.

"Hold hard, gentlemen!" shouted the huntsman; "let them get at it. Plenty of time, gentlemen."

In a few seconds, on swept the ardent horses, men, and dogs, over everything in their way; ditches, hedges, gates, walls, brooks, fields, and gardens, came all alike. A few, certainly, found the first waterfurrow a desperate impediment, and in various postures hugged mother earth, while their animals, disencumbered, heartily enjoyed a gallop by themselves.

My horse required, as usual, much coaxing and caressing to be induced to keep behind, for believing the run would be great, I endeavoured to curb his impetuosity as much as possible; but the numbers sweeping past caused him to pull and fret, until his veins swelled like fibres on a vine leaf. The perspiration rolled from his glossy coat and the white foam flew from his bit, as his speed still increased, despite of all my exertions. At length the soaked reins slipped through my fingers, as I fruitlessly pulled upon him. On he was determined to go, at his own pace; and on he rushed. Losing all control over him, the mad, but noble creature, carried me with the swiftness of a hawk: like a bird he topped the fences, whirling me with unnecessary desperate leaps, proud of his prowess, and careless to consequences. I soothed him at length with my voice, but not