the probable amount of annoyance and vexation which many millions of British subjects, who are accustomed to regard with a certain degree of reverence the persons and office of the imaginary victims must, say what they will, have experienced, we are free to admit that, after all, the exhibition was a very creditable

one

As we are bound to be precise and truthful in our narrative, we must state that our hero, without positively declining to accompany Sir Charles to Glanford, there to witness and to stimulate the intended proceedings, expressed so keen a desire again to pursue some partridges which had baffled his utmost skill on the previous occasion, that he was finally committed to the care of Mr. Waddinghead. Whether or not this esteemed functionary was more than once surprised at the languid and listless bearing of the young nobleman, we will not undertake to aver. However, as, in the end, the bag was a tolerably heavy one, the two parties returned homewards in terms of mutual and most cordial good humour.

I beg your pardon, my Lord," said Mr. Waddinghead, "but you will find the short

cut across the fields the pleasantest way to the hall."

"Indeed, Waddinghead? It looks confoundedly swampy.'

Well, it is rather moist, my Lord, but then I am afeard you will find some bad characters on the road. There would seem to be a general holiday of them to-day, all a flocking in to Glanford from all parts to see the Pope burnt."

"But they won't burn us with him, will they, Waddinghead ?"

"I don't say that they would, at all, my Lord,” replied the keeper, with a broad grin; "but, with your leave, some of them are very possibly by this time pretty strong in liquor, and as they are come out for a lark, there is no saying what they may turn their hands to."

"Very good, Waddinghead," answered our hero, who was by habit, still more than by nature, far too indolent ever to seek out difficulty and danger, "I will be regulated by your opinion, so lead the way. I suppose that you into Glanford to-night to see the

will go fireworks?"

"May be I shall, my Lord, that is, if I can persuade Missus and daughter to stay at home, for it won't be any fit place for them?"

"Yet I should think that they would like to see the Pope roasted too, wouldn't they?"

"That you may be certain they would, my Lord, as he deserves to be, for not recognising our Queen, and objecting to deal with her as one Sovereign should with another."

By this time St. Edmunds and his companion had reached Mrs. Hawthorne's house, where it may not have been forgotten that, on a previous occasion, they had committed their wounded dog to the care of the village beauty; and great was the surprise of both when they beheld, on the threshold, Miss Cécile Basinstoke herself.

"There's a young lady by your leave, my Lord," whispered the cautious Waddinghead, "who might full as well be at home as abroad this evening."

Without giving any utterance to his concurrence in this sentiment, the young Viscount moved forward towards Miss Basinstoke, but he was suddenly arrested on observing the unusual paleness of her face, and the deep anxiety which her whole countenance expressed.

"You must be astonished to see me here," said she, "and think me sadly rebellious, but I am come on an errand which brooks neither denial nor delay."

"Indeed! Is that poor girl worse?"

"The end is even now at hand, and he who alone can impart courage and consolation is not come. This is truly awful.”

"Miss Basinstoke," resumed St. Edmunds earnestly, "I trust that you will command my services, and believe that I should be too happy could they be of any avail."

"I am most grateful indeed, Lord St. Edmunds, but I have already dispatched a safe and speedy messenger."

"At all events, I hope that you will allow me to remain with you here, until I can see you safe home. I hear that there are many persons about, whom it would not be well that you should meet alone at so late an hour." "Indeed," answered Cécile somewhat embarrassed, “I really cannot think that any one would molest me, and you had better, much better, leave me and return at once to the hall."

Ere our hero had had time to urge anew his request, Miss Basinstoke's eyes had strayed in

another direction, and she exclaimed, in a tone

of the deepest regret :

"Gracious Heaven! how unfortunate! there is Mr. Lewis! It is what I most feared."

The person thus alluded to was a young man of grave and prepossessing appearance, whose look and dress clearly bespoke his holy vocation, and who was approaching the humble cottage with hasty steps.

"Did you send for Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Hawthorne ?" anxiously inquired Cécile of the tall, ungainly matron, in whom our hero had already detected, on a former occasion, the very personification of a step-mother.

"I did, Miss Cécile, as well I might, I should say," was the ready reply.

"I am very sorry to hear it: she will not see him, you know."

"She will see him, Miss Cécile, if she's let alone."

"I understand what you mean, Mrs. Hawthorne. Perhaps you had better speak to her yourself, and ascertain what her feelings are, for it would be most unfortunate that anything should occur which could grieve or offend Mr. Lewis."