warmth of the fire, which soon restored animation to his benumbed limbs.

In person he was tall and commanding; his body and limbs were moulded with perfect symmetry of form, and expressed the union of ease with strength. His age was apparently verging towards its thirtieth year. His air, which could not be well mistaken, indicated that he belonged to the military profession, and a confirmation of this might be gathered from his face which was much discoloured by the effects of a residence in foreign climates. His features were handsome and regular, but tinged with a certain cast of melancholy, which made it easy to discern that some event had occurred in earlier days, that lied buried like a canker in his breast, to produce it. That this air of dejection did not proceed from constitutional cause or natural gravity of disposition, was evident to any close observer, for when he smiled a beautiful expression lightened up his

J

countenance, and chased away the dark shades of that melancholy which hung over it at other times-but this smile was

seldom seen.

The company it appears was thrown into an awkward state of mauvaise honte by this unexpected addition of a "great man" to their coterie, whose presence, it seems, had totally extinguished the spirit that previously reigned in the conversation; consequently, each individual sat uncomfortably in their chairs, from the unpleasant feeling of awe inspired in their hearts. Our honest farmer was the first to break the silence so disagreeable to them all. He had entertained a hope that the stranger would have spoken first, and opened a path to let the conversation flow on as it should, to become agreeable; but finding in him no disposition of the kind, Ballard, after a moment or two employed in making a free use of his tobacco stopper, and smoothing the sleeves of his large drab coat, mut

tered to himself, "What does it signify?

a man can only try if he can't succeed!" Having formed his determination, he hastened to put it into immediate effect. Lighting his pipe, and smoothing the preparatory columns of smoke into a medium whiff, he commenced :

"Your servant, sir-you are welcome to our little village of Dorrington. If it an't improper to say it, I should guess. you were come down from town to visit some of our gentry living hereabouts?"

These words, so pointedly addressed, waked the stranger out of the trance into which he had fallen from the moment he accepted the chair offered him by Mr. Digaway. Mine," replied he, in a very affable tone of voice, "is a casual visit, and made for the purpose of enjoying pure and healthy air of this county, which a residence in warmer climates makes it necessary for me to breathe; and, to say the truth, I am unacquainted:" (here the stranger seemed rather

the

embarrassed:) "at least, if at one time I could boast of having any acquaintances in these parts, accident and causes of various nature have deprived me of them since."

Ballard had gradually withdrawn the pipe from his mouth during the few moments of the other's answer, so incredulous was he at the assertion contained in the first part of the stranger's speech. "Health!" exclaimed he to himself: dang it, why he has enough to supply the purposes of an hospital! Really, sir," said he aloud, "I must make bold to entertain a contrary opinion, for, dang me! if I have ever yet clapped eyes on a gentleman so hearty, ay, or handsome as yourself!"

"I am sensibly indebted to you for the kind remark," replied the stranger, in tones that seemed unrivalled for sweetness; " but I shall disclaim all right to your latter compliment, as I feel I should be guilty of assuming too much."

Though these words were uttered by the stranger with the utmost gentleness of tone, and were in reality delivered in a manner that shewed he was rather pleased than offended, yet our honest farmer could not help entertaining a contrary thought. He was fearful of having committed himself, and been guilty of saying a rude thing in the forgetful sinHe therefore cerity of the moment. eagerly, and with some anxiety painted on his face, hastened to correct this slip

of the tongue.

I hope, sir," said he,

take amiss what I said? I am innocent as the child unborn in meaning any thing disrespectful indeed I am; and all who know me will say, that farmer Ballard's the last man on earth to give offence."

"Farmer Ballard !" exelaimed the stranger, half starting from his chair, and fixing an enquiring look on the honest apologist. "'Tis him! 'tis even