long in those hair-like tubes to distribute nourishment, if I may so call it, to all parts of the body, and to collect impurities; for, by analyzing, it is found to have gained, in its transit, charcoal, and to have lost oxygen."

"Charcoal!" exclaimed Henry.

you mean, mamma?

"What can

"Not to tell you any thing more to-night; but some rainy day, if you will remind me, perhaps we can make an hour or two pass very pleasantly by the aid of your papa's microscrope and my reminiscences of Mr. Goadby.'

"I shall almost wish for a wet day, only there is the island to go to; and now please, uncle, to tell me something more about the glass figures on sand-no, I mean the sand figures on glass."

His uncle laughed at his mistake, but declared he could not tell him any thing more, either about glass or sand, as Adelaide had already made the tea, and after that he must have a walk; but," added he, "I will enter into partnership with your mamma, if she will admit me, and I think, between us, we may produce something very interesting, and we shall have one great advantage, that when either of us tire of talking and answering questions, he or she

may rest, whilst the other expatiates and demonstrates."

Lady De Courcy said he promised such valuable assistance that she willingly agreed to his proposal.

Sir Alfred promised to have the microscope ready for their use, and the party turned to the table to enjoy that meal which, I have already said, was always a favourite one at De Courcy Lodge.

CHAPTER IV.

GENUINE SENSIBILITY.

"Not that by deeds alone this love's express'd;
If so, the affluent only were the bless'd;
One silent wish, one prayer, one soothing word,
The page of mercy shall, well pleased, record;
One soul-felt sigh by powerless pity given,
Accepted incense! shall ascend to heaven."

H. More.

The next morning, Henry neither appeared when the household of Sir Alfred assembled, as usual, to return thanks for the protection which had been vouchsafed to them through the night, and to ask a blessing on the events and employments of the coming day; nor did he join the breakfast party till that meal was half over; he then entered the room so much out of breath, that it was with difficulty he could answer his mamma's enquiries, as to where he had been, and what he had been doing, to make him so late?

"Oh! mamma," he exclaimed at length, “I

could not come home any sooner; Nero took me such a long round, he was so delighted to go his old walks again, and coaxed me on so, there surely never was a dog with so good a memory, or so fond of old friends."

66

"I am not surprised at your enjoying a ramble this lovely morning," said Sir Alfred; nor doubt but Nero and you were very pleasant companions to each other; but do not allow yourself to acquire a habit of neglecting family hours and family arrangements; it sounds very fine in a book, to be free and independent of such trifles, as some persons very improperly style them; but in real life, very much of our comfort depends upon attention to them."

"It was well observed, by a friend to a lady, who made some slight apology to a party which she had kept waiting, Thou knowest best, friend, what right thou hast to waste thine own time, but thou canst have none to waste that of others.' Lord Nelson used to say he owed all his success in life, humanly speaking, to being ready for anything he had to do, a quarter of an hour before the time appointed. Dr. Parr enforced punctuality, both by precept and example; he was always exact himself, and would mention several celebrated characters, who were

so likewise; and would then, laughingly, sum up the list with All great men are punctual, I am punctual.'"

These anecdotes amused the young folks, though two or three of them coloured, for they felt it was not Henry alone, to whom Sir Alfred addressed his advice.

The latter looking at his mamma with some surprise, said, "Did Dr. Parr call himself a great man?"

"No, my dear," said Lady De Courcy, smiling; "he only said so in a joke, of which he was very fond."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Anna, "I always thought he had been very learned, very stern, and wore a very large wig!"

"He certainly was very learned, and did wear a very large wig; and he certainly could look very stern to those who either did, or said, anything which he did not approve of; but he was very lively when amongst young people; and I have often seen him the gayest of the group. He was kind to the poor; I have seen him send food from his own table, to a sick parishioner. He was considerate to his servants, entering into their feelings; I have known him hurry a man away, who was waiting behind his