minate and apply the knowledge we receive by the first, and create new and more valuable for the second to retain; in the majestic aspect this faculty assumes, and the authoritative tone in which it speaks, when turned to the determination of right and wrong; in the strong mastery of habit and the wonderful machinery of suggestion; in the susceptibilities of will and desire, of passion and of appetite-endowments essential to our happiness and even our preservation in all these there are presented to us such clear and striking proofs of wise and beneficent design, of mutual adaptation in our mental faculties, and of their fitness in united exercise for communicating and maintaining the most refined enjoyment, as may yield to no contemplation but one in their tendency to prompt to goodness and to warm to piety-to lift up the heart to the great First Cause in the reverent awe of the creature, and the glowing gratitude of the child. It is scarcely necessary to advert to the value of mental science as an instrument for the direction and improvement of education. No one, surely, will dispute that an accurate acquaintance with the powers to be cultivated must be a most important acquisition ere we set about the task of culture. Were the laws by which the mental faculties are developed, and the influences by which, in the process of development, they are most liable to be affected, familiarly known by the instructors of youth, the result would be the discovery of rules that would both facilitate and render more efficient the work of tuition. The happy influence of this knowledge would extend alike to the cultivation of the intellect and of the affections: it would pervade the character. The anatomy of mind naturally leads to improved modes of treating it during the first stage of its existence; a period to it, in common with the body, the most momentous, and yet the most critical. If the clear and enlightened deIf, again, a becoming conviction of the inherent dignity ductions of philosophy respecting certain parts of the of our nature, allied to a just sense of our personal de- mental constitution were allowed to extrude and supermerits, be favourable to the growth of the religious sen- sede certain ancient saws, the paradoxical air of which timents, then the study of mental science must promote makes them repulsive if not ridiculous, it is difficult to this end. By vindicating the reality of a moral sense, exaggerate the benefits that would result from the and by setting its decisions on the sure and sound basis change. The facts which mental science collects and of philosophical analysis, it tends at once to excite regret classifies-especially those relating to memory, habit, for their violations in the past, and to impress us with and suggestion-are of the utmost moment to the right the necessity of obeying them in the future. By reveal-management of education. Mr Locke, referring to one ing conscience, exercising, in part, by his own delegated order of these, avows as his object in dwelling on the authority, the functions of that Lawgiver to whom it subject, that those who have children, or the charge of points, it tends to allure or coerce us into conformity with their education, may think it worth their while diligently the precepts which the Almighty has written on the to watch, and carefully to prevent, the undue connexion 'fleshly tablets of the heart. If, in fine, the class of of ideas in the minds of young people.' emotions we are adverting to are to receive aid from Closely related to the preceding views of the utility of all accessions to the evidence of a future state, then, of mental science, and meriting notice here, is the tendency all the natural proofs of the immortality of the soul, of this philosophy to liberalise the minds of its students. those derived from its own powers and the modes of their It tends to impress the necessity and propriety of politioperation are unquestionably the clearest and most con- cal and religious toleration. Had men but studied with vincing. For these, it is a truism to say, we are in- moderate attention the innumerable circumstances that debted to the philosophy of mind. Establishing, as we sway the thoughts and determine the convictions of each are entitled to assume it has done, the immateriality, it other, the persecuting spirit had been stifled at its birth establishes by consequence the immortality, of the think--the block had yet been bloodless and the faggot uning principle. In how strong a light, besides, does it fired. IIad these been duly pondered, the dogmas of present the presumption of a future life, arising from re- bigotry had never been propounded, and her expedients flection on the astonishing capacities of the mind, both had never been put in force: men would have seen that for acquiring knowledge and exercising affection. That coercive methods, however they might fetter speech and which exhibits, in the complicacy and magnificence of action, could never reach the reason or reform the heart. their operation and range, An advantage of almost equal magnitude would have accrued from an attention to the philosophy of mind, as preventing the falling into the opposite extreme. philosophy, when matured, would have afforded a standard of appeal from the caprices of individual judgment to the great laws of human nature, to which these might be running counter-would have given controvertists a just because a natural logic, on whose principles to proceed in their discussions, and have taught lawgivers and divines to discriminate between conscientious difference of opinion and perverse and petulant resistance to truth and equity-wilful blindness to the great landmarks of right and wrong. It is in entire accordance with the spirit and drift of these remarks, to note how much family discord and alienation might have been prevented by acquaintance with that science which, by illustrating the power of temperament and habit, inculcates most emphatically the necessity, in addition to higher motives, of mutual concession and forbearance. "This intellectual being, This Those thoughts that wander through eternity,' must tend at once to deepen the conviction of another state of existence, and to give birth to aspirations becoming the dignity of the prospect. Those hopes which revelation fully authenticates, reason thus intimates. We may adduce in support of the preceding reasonings the high authority of Mr Burke. The more accurately,' says he, in his celebrated Treatise on the Sublime and Beautiful, we search into the human mind, the stronger traces we everywhere find of his wisdom who made it. If a discourse on the use of the parts of the body may be considered as a hymn to the Creator, the use of the passions, which are the organs of mind, cannot be barren of praise to him, nor unproductive to ourselves of that noble and uncommon union of science and admiration, which a contemplation of the works of infinite wisdom alone can afford to a rational mind; whilst referring to him what- On the auxiliary relation of the philosophy of mind to ever we find of right, or good, or fair, in ourselves-dis- the other sciences, we have not space to descant. On this covering his strength and wisdom even in our own weak-point it may be enough to quote the remark of Cicero ness and imperfection-honouring them where we discover them clearly, and adoring their profundity when we are lost in the search-we may be inquisitive without impertinence, and elevated without pride: we may be admitted, if I may dare to say so, into the counsel of the Almighty, by a consideration of his works. This elevation of the mind ought to be the principal end of all our studies, which, if they do not in some measure effect, they are of very little service to us.' among the ancients, and that of Thomas Campbell among the moderns. Says the great Roman :-'All the arts which have an influence on civilization have some link of connexion between one another, and are bound together, as if by a principle of agreement among themselves.' Says the gifted and accomplished poet we have named:-'Let science bear witness how many of her brightest discoveries have been struck out by the collision of analogy, and by original minds bringing one part of their vast in formation to consult and co-operate with another. For a single study is apt to tinge the spirit with a single colour; whilst expansive knowledge irradiates it, from many studies, with the many-coloured hues of thought, till they kindle by their assemblage, and blend and melt into the white light of inspiration. Newton made history and astronomy illustrate each other; and Richter and Dalton brought mathematics to bear upon chemistry, till science may now be said to be able to weigh at once an atom and a planet.' BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES LINNEUS. 'THE Swedish sage,' as Thomas Campbell was pleased to There must, at all events, be, one in a clergyman's family belonging to the father's profession; and Charles was, by the worthy couple, destined for the church. But who can thwart native tendency? Who should try to do so when that tendency is, as in this case it was, peculiarly strong? The youthful Linnæus early discovered that pas sion for flowers-that ardent thirst for the beauties of nature, which shaped his subsequent career. A patch of sway; the books were neglected, the fields were fre- He afterwards his views and pursuits. The bleak and barren regions of At this time an event happened, most favourable to Lapland had been less explored than any of the Swedish provinces. A society was instituted at Upsal, chiefly with! tions of that kingdom. By this association he was chosen the view of making inquiry regarding the natural producto make this inquiry. He has left us an account of the manner in which he was equipped when he set out on his expedition. My clothes,' says he, 'consisted of a light coat of West Gothland linsey-woolsey cloth, without folds, lined with red shalloon, having small cuffs and collar of shag; leather breeches; a round wig; a green leather cap; and a pair of half-boots. I carried a small leather bag, half an ell in length but somewhat less in breadth, furnished on one side with hooks and eyes, so that it could be opened and shut at pleasure. This bag conAt this school, as might have been expected, Charles actained one shirt; two pair of false sleeves; two halfquired but little. At his second-the grammar-school of shirts; an ink-stand, pen-case, microscope, and spyingWexio, a town adjoining his native village-he was by no glass; a gauze cap, to protect me occasionally from the means noted for his diligence and proficiency. Most boys gnats; a comb; my journal, and a parcel of paper stitched prefer a ramble in the woods, out-of-door recreations and together for drying plants, both in folio; my manuscript sports, to learning rules of syntax, or even poring over Ornithology, Flora Uplandica, and Characteres Generici. the glowing pages of the classics. Charles Linnæus could I wore a hanger at my side, and carried a small fowlingbe no exception to this rule; his constitution forbade piece, as well as an octangular stick for the purpose of meahim. The fields were his study-flowers, fruits, and in-suring. My pocket-book contained a passport from the Gosects, the objects of his first love. Hence, instead of attending to the tasks prescribed to him, he spent his time in rambling over the country; and though his teacher discovered in him some traits of genius, he was regarded by his school-fellows as an idle vagabond. So has it frequently fared with sons of science and song older than he. 'How various his employments whom the world At the age of seventeen, he entered the upper college at Wexio, where his deficiencies as a classic were quickly detected, and threatened with severe and summary pun- | ishment. The same constitutional tendency still held vernor of Upsal, and a recommendation from the Academy.' Thus, somewhat grotesquely accoutred, with a few of the necessaries but none of the luxuries for such an expedition, did Linnæus start for the cold regions of Lapland. On his privations, industry, and the success which attended his inquiries, we do not mean in this sketch to dwell. Returning to Upsal, the members of the Royal Academy of Sciences evinced their sense of the worth of his services by choosing him as one of its members; and in in 1775 he commenced a course of lectures on botany, chemistry, and mineralogy. As he had not yet taken his degree, his doing this was contrary to the statutes of the university: he was, at the instigation of a Dr Nicholas Rosen, dragged before its senate, and forbidden to continue his lectures. Whatever we may think of the paltry jealousy of Rosen, of the harshness of such an act, or the university statute which authorized, if it did not necessitate it, we cannot vindicate the 'Swedish sage' for having laid wait for Rosen, attacked him with the utmost fury, and attempted to run him through with his sword. Genius is strong in all its feelings-its wrath as well as its love-and it was some time ere the cloud that darkened the brow of Linnæus towards Rosen passed away. His prospects in connexion with the university of Upsal being for the time blasted, Linnæus, along with some of his pupils, visited the province of Dalecarlia, with the view of making fresh discoveries in mineralogy and botany. While resident in Fahlun, the capital of the province, he became acquainted with one of its most eminent physicians, whose name was Moræus, and who, in addition to his professional distinction, was reputed as one of the wealthiest individuals in the district. The physician had two daughters, with the oldest of whom Linnæus fell violently in love; for science and philosophy are, after all, feeble barriers against the softer tendencies and warmer emotions of the heart. The reader will recall the lines about Proserpine gathering flowers, herself the fairest flower,' and will easily be induced to believe that the attractions of flowers and fruits were forgotten in the admiration of the fair face and handsome figure of Sarah Elizabeth, the doctor's eldest daughter, as we have said, and the wife elect (should she consent to become so) of Linnæus. The lady did not object; but, on the contrary, with the usual discrimination and generosity of her sex, thought she could never give her hand to one worthier of it. The attachment, in short, was mutual. The old man, however, was more difficult to please. How intractable people with years and experience on their side are apt to grow on such subjects! When the future son-in-law mustered courage to moot the question to Dr Moræus, he was given to understand that, though there were no objections on the score of character, his present circumstances and future prospects were scarcely all that could be wished. Cold mercantile arrangements are not much to be approved of in matters of the heart. But so it was in the present instance. The doctor was aware of his pursepower, and his answer to Linnæus was to this effect: that should he obtain his diploma, and in the course of three years thereafter succeed in establishing for himself a respectable practice, he should have the hand as he already had the heart of his favourite Sarah. The terms were by no means so severe as those imposed on a venerable Scripture worthy; and making every allowance for the passion on the one hand, and the prudence on the other, we cannot but own there have been worse arrangements. Swedish students at this time required to take their degree at some foreign university. This involved an expense too heavy for our botanist. But Miss Moræus, who was economical as well as pretty, had contrived to save a considerable sum off the pocket-money allowed her by her father, which was placed at her lover's disposal. This, in addition to his own earnings, enabled him to accomplish the desired object. After visiting his friends and the grave of his mother, who had died some months previous, preparing his academical dissertations, and arranging his papers, he set out from Fahlun in the month of April, 1735, and obtained his degree at Harderwycke. He subsequently visited Leyden, where he published several of his most valuable treatises, and became acquainted with Dr Boerhaave, and many other celebrated persons. These treatises were the result of much toil and patient research-his industry at this period almost surpassing belief. When he had visited England and some other countries on the Continent, he returned to Sweden. During his many wanderings, the favourite flower at Fahlun was not forgotten. The idea of his one day possessing that flower, transplanting it from its native soil, and tending it in some sweet garden of his own, never forsook him; and it furnished him with one strong motive to zeal in the prosecution of his studies. The reader will perceive to what flower we refer the eldest daughter of the prudent old man, Moraus. Neither was Linnæus forgotten by her, though a rival, who had been much indebted to him, and had been the medium of correspondence betwixt the parties, intent on gaining the hand of the damsel himself, had maliciously whispered in her ear that cur hero no longer cared for her, and that he was unworthy of her affections. The course of true love,' the proverb says, 'never yet ran smooth.' Genius is a sensitive plant; its temper is quick and irritable. This heartless piece of treachery, though it failed to produce any effect on the lady, in the way of making her less devoted to Linnæus, when made known to him, so disgusted, so maddened him, that it threw him into a fever. As soon as he recovered from it, he hurried to Fahlun. There, to his joy, he found the object of his affections unshaken in her attachment to him, despite the insinuations of the slanderer. And here it may be as well to add, that after having gained for himself a respectable practice-we should say rather, risen to the top of his profession-at Stockholm, he led Sarah Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Moræus, to the altar of wedlock, with the consent of all parties. Though his talents and professional zeal would almost have secured his success anywhere, his rapid advancement, his several appointments to be botanist to the King of Sweden and physician to the Admiralty, were the result of a lucky hit,' as such incidents are called-his having completely cured Queen Eleonora of a cough, which had for some time troubled her Majesty. He was subsequently appointed to one of the medical chairs in the university of Upsal. It was a fortunate circumstance, more ways than one, that Dr Rosen, at whose instigation he was dragged before the senate of that university, for lecturing without having obtained a degree, did not fall a victim to his wild rage, when he would have thrust him through with his sword; for Rosen was appointed to the chair of botany in the same institution. The two professors became bosom friends; and through an arrangement, agreeable to both parties, they exchanged situations, and Linnæus was made professor of botany-a situation most congenial to his taste, and for which, we need not say, he was admirably qualified. Thus was awarded to him an honour, which, we may believe, of all others he most coveted-an honour, however, no more than the just reward of the zeal he had displayed in the prosecution of his studies. Linnæus had his own share of bodily ailments. He suffered much, especially towards the close of his career, from repeated attacks of rheumatism and gout. He may be said to have fallen, as heroes of every name rejoice to fall, at his post; for, after an attack of apoplexy, with which he was seized when delivering one of his lectures in the Botanical Garden, he never recovered his strength. The period of second childhood came. The accomplished Linnæus ceased to recognise his own works, and, it is said, even forgot his name. It is darkest immediately before sunrise. He died on the 10th of January, 1778, having exceeded by about one year, the threescore and ten. The following is his own account of his personal appearance:-'The head of Linnæus had a remarkable prominence behind, and was transversely depressed at the lambdoid suture. His hair was white in infancy, afterwards brown, in old age grayish. His eyes were hazel, lively, and penetrating; their power of vision exquisite. His forehead was furrowed in old age. He had an obliterated wart on the right cheek, and another on the corresponding side of the nose. His teeth were unsound, and, at an early age, decayed from hereditary toothache.' Such is a rapid sketch of the principal facts in the life of Linnæus. The department of science to which he devoted himself has a charm for almost every mind. While insects are humming around us, and flowers sending their fragrance across our path, his name is not likely to be forgotten. He was a prince among naturalists, as Newton and Kepler were among astronomers THE STORY OF ARTHUR HUNTER, PART II. CHAPTER III. 'The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them." 'WHERE'S Bobby, Granny?' said Arthur, suddenly opening the door of the old woman's cottage about noon next day; he has never come to his work this morning.' 'I don't know,' replied Rebecca; the last I saw of him was his heels getting out of the window in the middle of the night. I can't think what's come over the boy; and then she proceeded to relate what had happened. Arthur coloured up very much; then he turned pale; then he looked all around the room, and finally he arose and seemed to be examining its contents. Rebecca's imperfect sight did not enable her to observe his countenance, but, remarking his investigation, she asked him what he was looking for. I hope Bobby has taken nothing away with him, Granny,' said he. 'I don't know what to think of his doing such a thing as you tell me, and never coming to his work this morning. My mind misgives me; there's something wrong about it.' during the night; but with no better success than before. In the morning he returned to his work with a heavy heart, and at night he slept in Rebecca's cottage, his master, in consideration of his distress, having given him permission to sleep there, instead of under his own roof, as he had at first stipulated. But although Arthur was as industrious and attentive to his work as he had ever been, he was no longer the happy light-hearted young fellow of former days. He had a heavy care at his breast; and his most cherished plans of future happiness were destroyed, or at least rendered so remote and uncertain as to be almost beyond hope. The young carpenter had married an amiable and pretty young woman, the daughter of very respectable parents; and she had a sister, some years younger than herself, whom Arthur fancied still prettier. Often, indeed, he thought it was presumptuous in him, the beggar-woman's son, to look with an eye of love and hope on this fair young creature; but he could not help sometimes fancying that she was more disposed to forget the disadvantageous circumstances of his early years than he was. The truth was, that his industry, good temper, good conduct, and clean respectable appearance, were fast making their impression on the damsel's heart, and Arthur was not altogether presumptuous in hoping that in process of time, when they were both some years older, he might be so happy as to find himself a master carpenter and the husband of the fair Jane. But now this pleaWhat sant prospect was dashed and marred by so many intervening difficulties and impediments, that he durst no longer indulge a hope of its realization. His brother was a thief and an outcast, fled, probably, to commit more crimes; and every day Arthur rose from his bed, he trembled lest before night he should hear some news that would rend his heart with grief and cover his face with shame. The young woman, and her decent connexions, would naturally recoil from an alliance with so disreputable a family, and he could scarcely himself wish, that by marrying him, she should share a name that might ere long become a badge of infamy, and be exposed to universal obloquy in the public journals. Then, however he exerted himself, he could not hope for a long time to accumulate the means of improving his condition. The small sum he had placed in the Saving Bank he had been obliged to withdraw for Rebecca's use, and as she very soon became wholly blind, he had not only to furnish means for the old woman's support, but he was obliged to pay somebody to take care of her; and as, for the remuneration he could afford, nobody could be found to devote themselves to the office, poor Rebecca was obliged to leave her beloved cottage and take up her abode as a boarder under a strange roof. Here was a string of sorrows and disappointments falling upon the innocent and good from the wickedness of one person! But so it always is. 'Most likely it's some boy's prank,' said she. could he take of me except it was my bit of money.' Where is your money, Granny ? inquired Arthur. 'Where do you keep it?' In the closet there,' said she; in the old brown jar.' In the jar? said Arthur, peering into the vessel in question. 'Are you sure it was all in the jar P 'Quite sure;' returned Rebecca. I took out a shilling last night for Bobby to buy some little things I wanted; and I'm sure it was all there.' Arthur's heart sank and his knees shook as he said, 'It's not all here now, Granny, nor half; here are only two pound notes.' My money gone! cried Rebecca, clasping her hands. Then I'm a beggar in my old age.' 'No,' replied Arthur, that you shall never be as long as I have hands to work; but whilst he spoke cheerily to comfort her, the thoughts of his brother's infamy and ingratitude overwhelmed him with despair. Was it not a cruel thought, that the friend who had sheltered his forlorn infancy; she who had first taught him the name of his Creator, and made him acquainted with virtue, should have been stripped of all that remained to support her declining years by one so nearly connected with himself, and whom he had placed under her roof to protect and assist her? 'How much was there?" said he. 'Not much,' answered Rebecca, though it was a great deal to me.' But how much ? inquired Arthur. This was a question, however, that, for some reason or other, Rebecca seemed unwilling to answer; so he pressed it no further; but after cheering her with repeated assurances that he would take care she should suffer as little as possible from her loss, he departed to seek for some information about Bobby, in which pursuit, with his master's permission, he spent the remainder of the day; but with no effect. The evening saw him again at the old woman's cottage. There, Granny,' said he, placing in her hand the produce of his own little savings; there is something for you to go on with for the present; and when that is gone you shall have more. I should have been better off than I am now, but that I've been laying up money to buy myself some good clothes to appear at church in on Sundays, and I've just paid the tailor that made them; so that makes my stock low.' Rebecca was very unwilling to take the money, but he insisted on her doing so; and after performing such little offices of kindness for her as he could, he started again in quest of his brother, whom he sought in all directions CHAPTER IV. 'Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, for lo! they lie in wait for my soul.'-' Fools make a mock at sin.' 'William! William! cried Arthur one day to his old friend; how can you beat that poor horse so? Poor animal, he's old and worn out, and the load's too heavy for him. Don't beat him! Come behind and push the cart up the hill, and I'll help you; it will ease him a bit.' 'Nonsense!' said William, giving the horse another cut; the brute's lazy; he can draw it well enough if he likes.' You know that's not true, William,' said Arthur, mildly, laying his hand on his friend's shoulder. The horse is weak and ill-fed, and he has not strength to work.' 'He's obstinate,' replied William, doggedly. 'I'm afraid it is more often the driver that is obstinate than the horse,' answered Arthur; and it gives me great i pain to see poor dumb animals ill-treated. I cannot forget that they are God's creatures, whom he has made as well as us; and I think that to ill-treat animals to whom he has given life, and whom he has endowed with the power of feeling pain and pleasure, and a sensibility to kindness or unkindness, is like ill-treating God himself." 'Those are the ideas you got out of the book about the 'Why, I was the better for what I learnt from it in many different ways; but not to mention other things, was it not the book that brought me acquainted with you? and didn't you take me to your grandmother's? and didn't she not only shelter me by night, and assist me in every way she could, but didn't she give me my first ideas of God and of religion? I've reason to love that book, for it was my first friend—and I've reason to love you, William, for you were my next.' 'Love me,' echoed William; nobody loves me.' Indeed, you're wrong,' replied Arthur; I never can forget what I owe you, and though it's true we seldom meet now except it's by accident, I love you just as much as ever I did; but you know, William, you've taken up with a set of fellows that I don't like to associate with; Tom Walker for one." 'Oh, you're very nice; quite a fine gentleman said William, sarcastically. No, no, I'm no fine gentleman,' replied Arthur; but if you call it nice not to like to associate with fellows of bad character, why, I am nice certainly. Besides, I should lose my situation if I kept bad company. My master's very particular about the men he employs. By-the-by, William, the last I heard of you was that you had left Mr Jackson's. How was that?' 'We quarrelled, and he turned me off,' replied William. 'That was a pity,' replied Arthur; for he has a good deal of business, and keeps his men on all the year round. Who are you with now P 'Nobody in particular,' returned William. 'I go about jobbing; doing any thing I can get.' Now this looked bad; for when people that have once been in a good situation are reduced to go about jobbing, it is generally their own fault. 6 Then you are living at home, I suppose,' said Arthur. William said, 'Not at present,' and seemed anxious to turn the conversation; and, after some further discourse, he took an opportunity of asking Arthur if he could lend him a few shillings; and when Arthur assured him it was out of his power to do so, William said that he saw very clearly how much his friendship was worth. 'You wrong me when yon say that, William,' rejoined Arthur; but you know I've got your grandmother to keep as well as myself; and it is as much as I can do out of my wages; and as Arthur had no reason to suppose that if he had lent the money it would have been spent to any good purpose, he felt the less pain in refusing it. Do you keep her said William; 'well, that is good of you, to be sure!' How could I do less,' answered Arthur, when she was so kind to me, and when I am the cause of her misfortunes P 'You said William, in surprise; what misfortunes? เ Why, the loss of her money; don't you know that I sent my brother to sleep there because she was losing her eye-sight, and that he went away in the night, after robbing her of almost all she had ?" 'I haven't seen my grandmother a long time,' said William, looking very much astonished; what makes you think your brother took the money?" 'Who else could take it ? asked Arthur; and why should he go away and never come back again, if he had not done something he was ashamed of.' Whatever might be the reason, it was evident that this piece of information made a great impression on William's mind; he asked a number of questions about it, and seemed scarcely able to believe that the boy had disappeared in so strange a manner, and that nothing had been heard of him since. As Arthur had never been further acquainted with William's father and mother than by accidentally seeing them sometimes at Rebecca's cottage, he knew nothing of their proceedings nor of their circumstances; and although he sometimes thought it strange that they did not assist the old woman, still he said nothing of this, but did his best to make her comfortable. In this way matters had proceeded for several months, when one day his master, who was himself confined by indisposition, bade him go to No. 25 Brook Street, where there was a job to be done, and see what was wanted. Years had elapsed since Arthur had heard that address named, and it was long since he had thought of the circumstance that had once made it so interesting to him; but now he felt quite excited at the prospect of going to the house, and perhaps seeing the ladies who had formerly been kind to him; though he was aware there was little chance of their recognising him. Nor did they; they gave him their orders, and bade him return on the following day, without ever dreaming that, in the decent respectable-looking young carpenter they were speaking to, they saw the poor child whose forlorn condition had formerly awakened their compassion; and fearing to be thought impertinent, he did not venture to mention it, even although the job he had to do occupied several days, and brought him often into communication with them. 'I think I was a fool not to mention it too,' said he to himself, as he walked away on the evening of the last day he was to work there. I should like to have thanked them, and told them that their saying they thought there was some good in me was the first word of encouragement I ever got; and that I believe it was what set me upon the thought of trying to do something for myself.' Arthur had just reached this point in his cogitations, and was turning the corner into Bond Street, when he experienced a violent concussion from a man who, by his haste, might be supposed to be flying for his life, and who having ran right against him and nearly knocked him down, rushed forward without pausing to make an apology; but however great his speed, Arthur had recognised him, the more easily as, being without his hat, his face was fully exposed. William cried he, but the fugitive never stopped nor looked round, but fled on; and it was not long before the reason for his expedition was made evident. 'One of them turned up this way, I'm certain,' said one of a party who were advancing in the same direction. 'What has happened? inquired Arthur. 'It's a gang of pickpockets,' answered the man; and here's a gentleman has been robbed of his handkerchief.' Shocked beyond measure at this information, and afraid of being asked whether he had met the person they were in pursuit of, Arthur walked hastily on without venturing another question. Could it be possible? Was William really a thief? He did not know how to believe it; but the mere idea of such a thing caused him almost as much grief as he had felt on account of his brother's dishonesty. He went home with a heavy heart, and after a sleepless night, he resolved on the following morning to call at the house of his former friend's father and mother, to ascertain if they knew what was become of their son. With this intention, he arose before his usual hour in the morning, and directed his steps to the quarter where he knew Mr and Mrs Wilson formerly lived; but the first intelligence he obtained was that they had removed to a much less respectable neighbourhood, whither he proceeded, auguring nothing good from the change. Having proceeded up several stairs of a very miserable house, he was shown to a door, which, after some delay, was opened by a wretched, pale-looking, ill-clothed woman, who inquired in impatient tones what he wanted. 'Do Mr and Mrs Wilson live here ? asked he. 'What do you want with them?" she replied. 'I wanted to speak to their son William,' answered he. 'He does not live here,' said the woman, attempting to shut the door; but Arthur, placing his hand against it, requested to know if he was speaking to William's mother. |