unbending his eyebrows, all struck me as remarkable and original.

Talbot figured afterwards as Morbleu; but his day has gone by.-Monsieur Tonson is a piece that ought to be dropped in our theatricals. Its plot and manner are poor in the extreme: if it were not for the introduction of the watchmen's rattles it would scarcely be approved even by the vulgar. To excite surprise, however, is the readiest mode of gaining claps from the galleries. The language in both play and farce is low and mean in so many places, that I wonder the ladies endure it. Our manners are now too refined for such gross expressions as Dr. Bartolo uses; and the Frenchman must be a low specimen who would be found imitated in Morbleu.

The next day, being Sunday, I went at an early hour to St. Mary's Church. I always like to go early to every public place, especially to church : it evinces, at least, a sense of gentlemanly decorum; and, without interrupting a proper train of thought, it gives me the advantage of seeing all that is to be The chancel was crowded with young people

seen.

whom a clergyman was examining and catechizing. I really thought and felt that this was a most delightful and useful mode of employing that otherwise idle interval which is announced by the ringing of a church bell. Just behind me were the boys and girls of two schools, arranged on seats opposite each other, and their young eyes enjoying the angellike countenances before them; for I observed that the little fellows could not turn their backs on the girls, but continued looking at them as though they had been under the influence of attraction. One of them was a very noisy blade, and he made almost

a riot by his endeavours to keep the others silent.

66

Keep less noise-keep less noise,” repeated he. "Why," said I, from the Barber of Seville, "You are the only noisy person here,' you little rogue!" which had the effect of quieting him. Soon after, a very handsome young clergyman, whose name, I believe, is Purdon, came into the passage between the two seats, and examined them in a manner which, in my humble estimation, did him gre honour; and while I heard him expound the fluence of Christianity on the human heart, I co not avoid the conviction that, from his earnest a

VOL. III.

K

highly impressive style, the sublime truths which he delivered would take deep root, and grow up in the minds of the young people whom he addressed.

It was my plan to go over in the steam-packet to Liverpool, not only to see that flourishing town, but to visit an old friend who had settled there, and who had pressed me most earnestly to call, should I ever cross the Channel. On Monday

morning, therefore, I walked to Eden Quay, where the two Liverpool steam-packet offices are, and booked myself for the Mersey, to sail that evening.

After entering my name, I had wandered considerably below the Custom House, admiring the new buildings which have arisen there in the last few years. It was in the afternoon that I returned, and just as I was passing to Sackville-street, whom should I meet but my old friend Jem Davis.

"Is

it you," said I, "Jem? How rejoiced I am to see you." His friendly hand assured me that I was not mistaken. "Do you lead a city life?" said I: "You will be as kind to me as the mouse in the fable was to his country friend-you will show me how you live; for, knowing as I do, that your exchequer is a lieutenant's half-pay office, and that,

too, under seven years' standing, like myself, it surprises me to see the smart external which you present, and the ruddy costume of your cheek. Believe me, I marvel at thy goodly presence and gallant bearing!"

"Thou shalt judge for thyself," said Jem, assuming the same quizzical strain that I had sported. "Canst thou dine on a snack, twice or thrice a week, and practise the precept of Dr. Franklin, that a penny saved is twopence gained?""_ “Good," answered I, pursing up my mouth à la mode de Briefwit-" allons donc." So, taking my arm, Jem marched direct for the Anchor and Plough snack-house. We were shown up stairs to an airy, spacious, and well furnished room, in which, at different tables, sat several highly respectable-looking men, with trays of refreshments before them. Jem gave his orders to the waiter, and in a moment we were served with a very comfortable plate of cold roast beef, some warm potatoes, a slice of bread, mustard, vinegar, and a glass of porter. I really felt quite hungry after my walk, and made as respectable and sufficient a dinner as I have often done on a cold joint at my father's economical

board. "What have we to pay, waiter ?" inquired

Jem, with a significant look at me.

Sir, if you please," was the reply.

"Tenpence,

"Tenpence a piece?" said I. No, it was for both snacks.

"Thus," said Jem, "I manage to live independently and comfortably on four shillings a day; and I would strongly recommend every half-pay subaltern to do the same. What I save from the gratification of my appetite not only conduces to my external appearance, but really preserves my health. My bed-room costs me only five shillings a week; my breakfast I can have for a trifle in my own apartment; my dinner averages about a shilling daily; so, you see, I have a fund remaining to meet mental recreation, and contribute to self-love."

"Bravo, Jem," answered I, grasping his hand; "well thou deservest thy character for prudence. He is the true gentleman who lives within his means; and that man only deserves the title of honourable who is just to others before he is liberal to himself. Yes, my friend, if all our brothers on half pay were to act the noble part which, to your credit, you play, his majesty's commission would not so often be

inmate of a jail, or the scorn of a petty