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MR. ACEHAMBUR always made his daughter retire to rest at half-past nine o'clock. Mr. Maclandreth generally sought repose at ten, having spent half-an-hour together in familiar intercourse on the various occurrences of the day. It was while thus alone with each other, that these faithful friends were accustomed to give vent to the most hidden thoughts of their hearts. Their joys and fears were joint-stock. What the one experienced, the other felt it a privilege to share. And now, both regretted that they should be called to part from each other so suddenly. Though, as

men, they were sorry such was the case, yet they were Christians enough to acquiesce in the ways of Providence, knowing that the very God of Providence was their chief and best friend.

"Well, my boy," said Mr. Acehambur to Ambrose (for he was in the habit of calling him so), observing his anxieties about Alison;

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you are in the path of duty, and you can with confidence depend on God's power to protect you. It is when we make ways for ourselves, that we are left to reap the fruit of our own doings. But when we walk in His ways, we are under His protection and guidance. As for poor Alison, I know it will be a great blow to her, and will, I have no doubt, be felt by yourself. Indeed, I feel more myself than I should, perhaps, at my time of life. The circumstances under which we became acquainted with each other, the providential deliverance

of my dear child through your instrumentality, the frequency of our intercourse with one another, the similarity of our views, and the lack of society in this strange place: All these, together with some others, make me

very melancholy at the thought of your departure."

"As for society," replied Maclandreth, “it providentially happens, that a very dear friend of mine has just come to reside for awhile, at least, in the neighbourhood, and whom I have already introduced to Alison. He will, I am confident, do all that he can to comfort you, for my sake; and I feel assured that you will shew kindness to him for the same reason."

"Of that, indeed, you may feel assured, for anything that I can do, to oblige your friend, shall be done; and should you prefer his living under this roof, till you return, he is welcome.” "No, I have no particular wish for that, as he is, I think, in lodgings belonging to the situation he holds. Nor do I think his habits would very well comport with your retired mode of life. It were also desirable, were he a little more inclined to what is serious and profitable. But you can act according to your own discretion, when you have seen more of him; and I sincerely hope your godly conversation will be productive of great good to him."

"Well, my dear boy, by the time you return, as I hope God will grant you a safe and prosperous journey, we shall have known some thing more of your friend. friend. At the same time,

you may take my word, that he will receive a good treatment under this roof. Old Acehambur was never yet complained of on that score."

No, I am sure, Mr. Acehambur, none will ever have an occasion to brand you with inhospitality. Indeed, I myself am a living witness of the truth of your assertion."

As

"Yes, boy, to you I am something more than kin and not less than kind. Really, how very strange that I should express myself in this way now, seeing 'tis more than forty years since I read a line in Shakspeare. The memory of an old man is such an oddity. life ebbs, the things that were first treasured in the memory and then forgotten, come to sight last. Hence old age may with propriety be said to be a second childhood. If ever you should live to be as old as I am, you will probably think of what I am saying. Do all the good that you can now, while young, so that

you will have nothing of a painful character to mar your latter days. It were indeed a pleasure to die, if one would divest himself of all the cares and anxieties of this life. Had we something like an adequate conception of our destiny as the children of God, how willing we should be to leave this our earthly residence for a more select society and a more gorgeous apartment in the regal palace of our Heavenly Father. Instead of this, it too often happens that the love of life increases with the loss of it. It seems as if at length one had grown fond of the miseries of which life is made up; for life and trouble are synonymous terms. But, really, I am lecturing you instead of attempting to give a more direct counsel to you respecting your journey and the management of your affairs. You will, I know, forgive the liberty that age generally takes with youth."

"Pray, Sir," interrupted Maclandreth, "proceed, I am quite delighted with you remarks, and I hope I shall profit by them, though it is seldom the case to see people profit by the experience of others. In nothing, it appears to tupidity of man stand forth more

me