appeared in a white, or rather stone coloured coat, with a pink silk, lining; his grey curls were taken out of rollers, and a little bag placed on his short queu; the whole giving him an air and manner, by no means other than that of a gentleman.

On these days the summer-house was abandoned, and he was generally seen attended by his butler, leaning over the gate that opened into the road, in order the better to converse with, or receive the compliments of, such friends as were still left him, and who usually made a point of stopping for a few moments to shew that they were alive, and to ascertain that he was so too; a ceremony not at all less necessary in their opinion, from its being utterly unknown to whom he meant to leave his fortune.

Such conferences, particularly if there was any thing beyond the very commonest topics to communicate, rendered these days the happiest in the old man's life.

This gentleman was known to Dr. Evelyn, who never came near his gate without making him happy, as Sir Hildebrand said, by telling him where he had been, and where he was going; and having some time before acquainted him with Tremaine's arrival, and seclusion at Woodington, so as to excite much of his curiosity, he knew he could not do him a greater benefit than by bringing about a visit, if visit it could be called for Sir Hildebrand never suffered his

guests, particularly if there were ladies among them, to proceed farther than the lawn, or at most, into the summer-house.i

1

en During the mile or two before they came to Homestead Hall, Evelyn had informed Tremaine of all these particulars; " and if you have a mind to make a harmless old man very happy," said Evelyn, "you will give him a call.”.

- Good Heavens! for what!" exclaimed Tremaine" are we not going to be overwhelmed enough, at a great country dinner, without the addition of an old quiz, who from your account, can scarcely derive respectability even from his age." "Odd fish, you know, are my game,” replied Evelyn...

"But not mine," said Tremaine: "I am quite satisfied with your history, and have no curiosity to see the subject of it."

"I believe," retorted Evelyn, "

you would be satisfied with Buffon's history of the whale, and not go to see one, if it were even to be thrown on the shores of the Humber."

Not if it smelt like its own Greenlanders," and swered Tremaine.

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“Well, but Sir Hildebrand is a subject for a philosopher, and you are a philosopher; he supplies food to the mind," said Evelyn.

J

"As much as your whale, to the body," rejoined

1

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 Hilde brand, 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.

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 present my neighbour Mr. Tremaine, and my daughter Miss Evelyn to you Sir Hildebrand."

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

"I thought it was not yours," said he to Evelyn; "I think I never saw four such beautiful bays;—so 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 Hildebrand 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