arrangement which I meant to adopt and in that feeling of friendliness which had always marked his conduct towards myself, immediately despatched a note to me, requesting that I would alter my intended arrangement; and stating, that, in a few days, he was about to leave the country, and go to "his winter "quarters" in London, for several months that his house near Fawley (a beautiful residence, called Cadlands, on the western bank of the Southampton river,) would not be occupied, during the interval, save by the servants who were usually left in it; that orders had been given to them, to furnish me with whatever could make me comfortable; and that, as soon as I should be left alone, I might avail myself forthwith, of those accommodations, which were very much at my service.

Though "glad as a bird," at the offer, I thought it but right, to coquet a little in my answer. "I felt deeply obliged by his polite "attention: but, could not think of intruding "so grossly upon it: the inconvenience to him "must be great: I felt ashamed at the idea of

his incurring so much expense on my ac"count;" and more to the same effect. Mr. Drummond's reply was speedy, and, to me, me ́morable: “ He would not have made the offer, "had it not been as convenient and pleasurable "to him to tender it; as he felt it would be

"agreeable and desirable to me to accept it; and "he therefore expected, that without further "solicitations, I should remove to Cadlands, on "the departure of my friends."

As lord of this elegant mansion, I spent several weeks: not only with every want supplied; but amid an abundance of comforts, which far exceeded my wishes or ambition. But, alas! there was a worm in the gourd, that withered its surface, and spoiled its flavour. I was alone with no one who could participate in my advantages: no one with whom I could "hold sweet counsel:" interchange thought: reciprocate the confidence of friendship, or the offices of kindness. I missed the presence and value of that sweetest of all melodies, the human voice and felt, strongly and deeply, the affecting question of the poet;

"Oh! solitude; where are the charms
"Which the sages descry in thy face?"

I became languid, unwell, and depressed and I know not how this abatement in my health and spirits would have terminated; had not the singular incident occurred, alluded to in the former part of this chapter, to remove me from a situation, where I had an opportunity of learning the useful lesson that no combination of external advantages, will repay the loss, of vigour of body, and serenity of mind.

I had crossed the river one November day, to transact some business, and to dine, in the opposite town of Southampton. The evening was dark, and I hurried down the street to my boat, which was waiting for me at the quay. In my haste, I came in rude contact with the shoulder of a person who was walking in an opposite direction to my own. I felt that I was to blame, and made my apology accordingly. "Bless "me," exclaimed the gentleman, (in a voice that I immediately recognised to be that of the Rev. Mr. A―n's,)" is that Warner?" "The same unquestionably," said I.

Why, I fully thought you had been at Bath. I left "that place only a few days ago; and learned "while I was there, that the rector of Walcot "had appointed you, to his vacant curacy of All "Saints' Chapel; and that you were every day

expected there to undertake the charge.""Would that it were true, my friend," I replied; "but not a breath of such good tidings has "reached my ear. I know neither the rector, "nor his chapel; and am perfectly sure, that

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my family are as little acquainted with the "former as myself. Adieu!"

My passage across the river afforded me leisure for meditation; and I ruminated much on the oddity of the adventure. My epistolary intercourse with Bath was frequent: but I had received no communication that bore at all upon

the business of Mr. Sibley (the Rector's name,) or his curacy information which I felt sure I should have received, had there been any foundation for the Rev. Mr. A-n's intelligence. I resolved, however, at all events, to inform my connections at Bath of my rencontre with this gentleman; and to request, they would make the earliest enquiries, on a subject so interesting to us all. In a few days an answer from them arrived. They had not heard of the vacancy, nor were acquainted with the Rector of Walcot; but, had applied to a friend of that gentleman, both for information and assistance. The Rev. Dr. Griffiths (the person alluded to) afforded the one; and promised them the other: the curacy was vacant; and he would apply to Mr. Sibley. He redeemed his pledge. "The Rector "of Walcot knew not Mr. Warner even by name. "There were many applicants for the situation : "but, in consequence of his regard for Dr. G.; "and his confidence in the propriety of his re"commendation; he would nominate his friend "to the curacy, provided he could make it con"venient to enter shortly upon the duty."

In the course of a fortnight, my place at Fawley was supplied; and, in a short time (for some weeks of illness intervened), I became one of the curates of Walcot parish, Bath. As such, I continued to officiate for a few months, when, in consequence of another circumstance, almost

as remarkable as that which I have related, I obtained the curacy of the populous parish of St. James's, in the same city. This I held, for three and twenty years; with what credit to myself, or usefulness to my flock, I leave to others to determine.

The source of Mr. A-n's intelligence to me, in the street of Southampton, has never been explained: for, singular to say, from that moment to the present time, (an interval of nearly six and thirty years) I have neither seen, nor heard of, the gentleman in question.

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.