carriage in question rolled up to the front door of one of those great postal establishlishments described. Mr. Clynchiere, and Mr. and Mrs. Inglis in dignified manner alighted, and were by obsequious attendants conducted into a large old-fashioned sittingroom, whose walls were decorated with discoloured engravings and dusky paintings. The capacious chairs, high fender, and various articles of oaken furniture, bespoke the apparent fact, that for many long years that apartment had presented the same substantial and quaint looking aspect, and haply there the grandsires of that travelling generation had occupied that room in its precise condition. After a considerable amount of deliberation dinner was ordered, and Mr. Inglis did not fail to give evidence of their standing by asking for dishes which were only likely to be supplied by a Gunter or Verrey. These notions, however, were genteel, and as they were now holding up their heads, it was deemed well to assume a few aristocratic airs. Here they tarried till the morrow.

On the following morning the journey was resumed; they did not start at an early hour, as Mrs. Inglis felt fatigued from the previous day's charioteering. At the last change Mr. Inglis suggested to the father-in-law, that, as he had been informed the road was exceedingly hilly, it would be desirable to have on another pair. The solicitor, reflecting that such extravagance could not be impalpably blended with any client's bill of costs, raised an objection, but Letitia commended the idea of her husband, spoke with horror of the hills, and voted with the latter. Gideon was obliged to submit to having four horses.

The church clock of Elleringay was deliberately striking four as the carriage entered the village. The new family now became nervous, and they peeped through the windows anxious to observe the impression produced. Some half dozen old women protruded their wrinkled visages to contemplate the vehicle which in a cloud of dust was furiously hurried past, but no other signs of concern were apparent. Letitia had

dared to hope within herself that there would be a willing crowd ready to draw them in by hand-she had fancied the probability of a merry peal from the parish belfry, or the melodious strains of some rustic band, greeting with welcome the new squire. But, alas, for Mrs. Inglis's vain longings, no such enthusiasm hailed their reception! younger gentleman beheld the disappointment pictured in the face of his spouse, and after a few moments' silence expressed a fear that they were about to sojourn amongst a set of clodhopping semi-barbarians.

The

On-on sped the yellow chariot, and it was indeed at a merry pace at which the horses were urged past the entrance lodge, and along that shady avenue of giant trees which conducted to the south front of the mansion. As it turned in at the lodge gates Mr. Inglis did not fail to take a hurried glance at the stone lions, whose ferocious features and erected tails presented a noble appearance at the portal of their domain. Onalighting, Mr. Clynchiere nimbly ascended the steps, his son-in-law marched forward

with becoming importance, and Letitia-poor Letitia was well nigh hysterical with dignity. The postillions very deferentially touched their hats, when told to unharness their foaming steeds, and eat and drink their fill in the servants' hall. The new domestics were marvellously polite, and ran one against another in manifestation of their zeal.

With all the enquiring eagerness of a child, Letitia hurried first along one corridor, then along another, now into this room, then. into that, so that she really became bewildered in space. Exclamations of delight continually escaped from her lips, and she was lost in a delirium of joy! Mr. Inglis held up his head, screwed upon his heel, and issued divers orders and counter-orders relative to the valuable luggage on the carriage, and in various other ways struck awe into the heart of every menial who accosted him. Mr. Clynchiere eyed with complacent smile the glorious acres now his own, which outstretched far and wide to his view, and his bosom swelled with the pride of now being a large landed proprietor. Ere that evening's

sun had sunk to rest, the mansion within and without, the gardens, the vineries, the lawns, the pleasure grounds, had by each been impatiently inspected. What a glorious change, thought they, from the horrible confines, dusty streets, and noisy throng of London. Everything here felt so calm, so fresh, so lovely, and every person seemed so contented, so cheerful, that the world wore but the aspect of happiness. Oh, happiness, thy semblance, like the mirage, often dances before us in fascinating shapes, but when neared how are we deceived and disappointed!

Time to all now passed on falcon wing, the improvements had not been entirely completed, but it was a pleasure, and a most fortunate amusement to Squire Clynchiere, immediately after unharnessing himself from business to have anything to occupy his mind. He directed repairs, planned additional buildings, and from morning to night was engaged with one concern or another. He visited his tenants, inspected their lands, and zealously endeavoured to impress them. with the assurance that they would find in