mounted as silver goblets, and a few racing cups, won by some successful horse, were placed upon a sideboard. Altogether, it was a complete sportsman's repository.

The squire was carving a huge sirloin of beef, by the side of which stood a foaming jug of ale, as the girls entered. He was clasped round the neck by both at the same time, and submitted to a process of long and vigorous salutation, with much apparent satisfaction.

"Ye young lags," exclaimed the squire, "what were those letters about, eh?"

The two girls laughed, but returned no

answer.

"I know," continued the squire; "some of Ashley's and his ladylike friends' nonsense. They'll be here directly."

"Would you like to hear some of the nonsense, father? or can you place sufficient confidence in my proverbial discretion?" said Kate, archly.

"Don't bother me with the stuff," replied

her father. "I wonder that a fellow like Wilmott should deal in such trifles: a fine

chap like him. As to Mr. Titley - that young milliner—”

The further progress of the squire's speech was stopped short by Agnes jumping up and placing her hand over his lips.

"Not another word, if you please, uncle," said she. “I am Mr. Titley's champion.'

"I am de-loight-ed to hear such a honeydew declaration," said the object of the remark, Powis Titley, suddenly appearing close to her elbow.

"Bless me! Mr. Titley, how you frightened me!" exclaimed Agnes, reddening with vexation at his untoward presence.

"Why, how the deuce did you come without our hearing you?" said the squire.

"My dear Mr. Scourfield, my legs performed the agreeable office from the entrance; my horse from Wilmott's house. But the truth is, you were all so mirthful," continued Titley, "that the noise of my boots, which are particularly thin, was not observed. I thank

Heaven and my boot-maker that this was the case, as I was thus enabled to hear-"

"A young lady make a Tom Noddy of herself," interrupted the squire, looking at Agnes as if anticipating a retort practical. But she kept her eyes bent upon the floor, and seemed, by the slightly-contracted brow and quickly beating foot, to be somewhat irritated.

"Now, don't Tom Noddyize your niece, my dear sir, for being so decidedly candid, and excessively agreeable," replied Titley, with a smirk of satisfaction.

This speech, spoken in a drawling, conceited tone, occasioned an ill-suppressed laugh from Kate, who, seeing that her cousin was angry at Titley's hearing her playful remark, endeavoured to conceal the delight generally experienced at his expence. But Agnes heard the slight expression from her cousin's lips, and, raising her eyes from the ground, and meeting those of Kate's, sparkling with glee, the two girls simultaneously broke into a laugh, which disconcerted Titley's self-ap

proved manner. He seemed to entertain a fear that he was subjected to that awful ordeal for a man's vanity, being laughed at, and winced at the mirth as it continued to increase for some seconds.

At length silence was restored, and the squire said, "Where's Ashley?"

"He's at the door examining a horse brought for your approval, I believe,” replied Titley.

"Oh! that horse has come, has he? Well, I'll go and see him now, for we've not too much time to lose," said the squire, glancing at an old-fashioned time-piece over the fireplace.

"Will you give your opinion, Titley?" added he.

"No, I thank you. My opinion about a horse is dubious in value. I'll stay where I am until you are ready," replied Titley.

The squire proceeded to the porch, where a fine-looking horse stood, held by one of those slang-tongued eccentric-dressing bipeds, who are known as "dealers." The animal was being

VOL. I.

D

carefully examined by the squire's intimate friend and chief companion, Wilmott Ashley, whose estate joined the Scourfield property.

Wilmott was a great favourite with the squire, who regarded him with an affection approaching to that a father entertains towards a son. With a generous, frank, and high-minded disposition, he possessed a tall, elegant, and athletic frame, just moulded into the strength of manhood. His features were beautifully chiselled, perhaps too much so for a man; but their expression was at once so dignified and so benevolent, that the delicacy of them was not observed while looking on the clear blue flashing eye, and the proud, but smiling lip. Long, thick, chestnut curls hung negligently over a lofty forehead, and altogether the most careless observer of manly beauty could not but admire the appearance of Wilmott Ashley.

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Well, my boy! what do you think of him?" said the squire to Wilmott, as he dropped a fore-foot after inspecting it.

"What does he think of him?" repeated