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Tremaine;" and when you eat a bit of whale, I'll study Sir Hildebrand. I beseech you, do not let us stop;-it will be an odious waste of time."

"I have no doubt you'll employ it better with Dr. Juniper or Sir Marmaduke Crabtree at Bellenden House, for the half hour we have to spare," remarked Evelyn,

"Horrible alternative," answered Tremaine-and at that moment Georgina saying she should like to see one, of whose oddity she had heard so much, he instantly gave way, and with silent, but not inexpressive politeness, ordered the postillions to stop at Homestead gate.

"But will he admit a lady ?" said Georgina.

"Not without leave first asked and obtained," replied her father.

By this time the carriage drew up, and Sir Hildebrand, who was leaning over the gate, greeted them with a bow of the last century. He was tall and spare, by no means of vulgar appearance, and there was still a quick glancing eye, which looked as if it had enjoyed better times.

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This man may be odd, but he is not a quiz, said Georgina to herself.

Though Georgina was thus amicably disposed, he shrunk back at the sight of her, and reddening, and at the same time with a constrained sort of smile, was bowing them away, when Evelyn said "I

am come to présent my neighbour Mr. Tremaine, and my daughter Miss Evelyn to you Sir Hilde brand."

A slight bow of acquiescence was all his shyness permitted, for in truth his eye was caught by Tremaine's gay equipage.

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"I thought it was not yours," said he to Evelyn; "I think I never saw four such beautiful bays;well matched, so full of blood. The harness too, and the whole together, beat Lord Bute's when he first went to court on the Accession."

"An odd reception this," said Tremaine, yet seemingly not displeased.

"What is a poor damsel to do?" cried Georgina: "will he admit us or not?"

It was a question not unnatural, for Sir Hilde brand had shrunk away from the gate, and was mounting the stairs of the summer-house, looking back every now and then, as if to see if he was followed.

"You have gained much by your visit," cried Tremaine, smiling; "I wonder how this philosophy of yours will turn it to account."

"I don't understand it," said the doctor;-when Mr. Jerome, who had been at the gate all the time, with the best bow that sixty years could muster, informed them that Sir Hildebrand would be glad to

see them in the summer-house, and the lady might come in, if she pleased.

"But pray, friend, how could you find this out?" asked Evelyn," for he has not said a word to you." "I understand his honour's manner," answered the butler, with another bow.

"We must let every man speak in his own language," remarked Evelyn, getting out.

"You lead me like a school-boy," exclaimed Tremaine, handing Georgina; and the party followed to the summer-house. They were here agreeably surprised. A large room, or rather library, with many hundreds of books, an orrery, globes, models, maps, and all that bespoke well-educated retirement. And in one recess there was collected an assortment of the finest old porcelain.

The most surprising thing was the master, who having at first, with rather an impressive air, reached chairs for them with his own hands, immediately betook himself to one of the windows, out of which he looked for some minutes, as if no one had been within. No one spoke, so much were they occupied with observation; when turning round, Sir Hildebrand called out, as if suddenly struck, "Two turtle and two haunches to-day, besides peaches from the new forcing-house. There ought to be a large com pany, but I have seen nobody but the high sheriff

go by yet." Then turning suddenly to Tremaine, he said, "I knew your grandfather well. I am glad to see you; but I am sorry you shut yourself up. You have made no vow, I hope. A bad thing to tempt heaven-a very bad thing, take my word for it."

Pausing a little, he added, with rather a vacant look, "I see the world, however, very well; do you know I have sometimes counted thirty-seven coaches and chaises in a day, going by this window; and I can always tell if there is any good news, before Lord Bellenden himself; for he cannot see the ribbons in the coachmen's hats."

Then assuming a wiser tone, "Let me give you a piece of advice," said he, " Mr. Tremaine: You see there a great deal of knowledge-" (pointing to his books and instruments;) "vain, if it is not useful; and not useful, if not communicated.”

"Well!" continued the humourist, "only don't shut yourself up.-If I dared go out of my gate, I would have better company than Jones or Dobbs.”

These were afterwards explained by Evelyn to be the curate, and a neighbouring farmer, who for the last seventeen years had dined with Sir Hildebrand every Sunday; the only recreation he allowed himself, beyond the chance passengers he met with at his gate.

"But," proceeded. he, "I go to see no one, and

therefore no one comes to see me; there is a give and take in all things, and I do as well as I can. I am in the commission, and nobody is the securer for it; I read, and nobody is the wiser for it; I am rich, and nobody is the better for it. This is bad, very bad, Mr. Tremaine. I see there is another carriage; Lord Bellenden must be very happy; but it will cost him a deal of money, a deal of money!-Old Jones says, there is more waste in his kitchen in a month, than would support him all the year round."

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Afterwards, whispering Evelyn, loud enough to be heard, however, by all; "They say he stews five hams into one turtle-and yet the estate can pay : then observing Georgina looking at him with some pity and a great deal of kindness, he sat mute for several minutes, twisting his thumbs, like a schoolboy corrected by the glance of his master.

Evelyn eyed him with tenderness, and in pure compassion wishing to change the conversation, said he was glad to see him so well.

"Yes!" he replied, "I am pure well,-but not so happy as I was: people don't come to talk to me at the gate as they used, and nobody minds me--yet I have five thousand a year, and no one but a fourth cousin." Then regarding Georgina with more courage than hitherto, " you say she is your daughter;-well, she is very pretty, and seems very gentle; but have a care," and whispering in Evelyn's

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