solitary egg between his left forefinger and thumb, and giving it a gentle tap, on the uppermost end, with a spoon composed of horn. 'Humph,' repeated he, I really don't know what to do. That rascal, Dickory Crump,' he continued, extracting a letter from a deep pocket in his lateral attire, and glancing at its contents with a curl upon his lip, says he can raise more money if I can produce a corresponding security. Now he knows,' said the Baronet, hissing the words through his teeth, that the estate is mortgaged to the last shilling that it will bear; that every stick of timber is cut, and that the family pictures and plate found their way into the hands of the Israelites some three years ago. I haven't even a silver egg-spoon left,' and, as he spoke, he pitched the horn one from his hand on to the table, rolled the egg after it, and, throwing himself back in the chair, buried his hands in the pockets of his doublet.

"For a few seconds Sir Godfrey remained in

mute reflection: but this was quickly dissipated by the door of the apartment being thrown open, and his son entering, with an infirm old servant tottering in his wake.

"Good morning, father,' said the young man, with a smile upon his handsome visage, and shaking the Baronet heartily by the hand. 'I began to fear that I had been playing the laggard; but by your untasted breakfast, I see that I am closely on your heels.'

"I've not been up long, my boy,' replied Sir Godfrey; but as for breakfast,' continued he, addressing the servant, I think, Thomas, you might have supplied us with a less sparing hand. A single small egg-Faugh!'

"I did my best, Sir Godfrey, I do assure ye,' rejoined Thomas, in a thin, piping tone, as he placed a corresponding object of the Baronet's contempt before his young master. "Bad, truly then, is the best,' returned the Baronet.

"Silence!' interrupted Sir Godfrey, irritably. I do not wish to hear of your inabilities, any more than to think of my own. Leave the room, Thomas.'

"The last sentence was spoken in a more subdued tone, and the faithful and obedient servant left the apartment with a slow and profound reverence.

"During this brief colloquy, the heir to Wynford Grange sat ostensibly engaged in chipping off the shell from the egg: but from the furtive glances that he gave his father, it was obvious that he was endeavouring to discover the cause of the anger which disturbed the Baronet's usual equanimity.

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Ned,' said Sir Godfrey, upon the closing of the door, drawing his fingers over his brow, as if about to make a reluctant disclosure; and then abruptly stopping and seizing the jug, he added,' your health.'

“Thank you, father,' responded the young

man.

"Sir Godfrey coughed slightly at the termination of his draught, and remarked that the beer was very small and thin.'

"The strong ale is all drunk, I believe,' replied his son.

"Yes, it's out, Ned, so I am told,' rejoined the Baronet, as, indeed, is every thing else with me, until, at length, I'm out of humour.'

"Is there any cause to distress or annoy you of which I am ignorant?' asked the young man, in a kind and soothing tone and man

ner.

"For a short time, Sir Godfrey made no answer. At length he appeared to overcome the conflicting emotions with which he was struggling, and screwing his determination to the sticking point, thus began the recital of his

woes:

"You know, my dear Ned, that our affairs, for a considerable period, have been in anything but so flattering a condition as we could wish.'

"His listener could not prevent a smile at this specious opening of the family exigencies.

"It's of no use blaming myself; and as little my being blamed by any body else, Ned,' resumed Sir Godfrey, for the skeleton state in which we are. I confess that my want of economy, and gratifying the many expensive tastes in which I have indulged, may be traced as the origin and true source of the deplorable state of our exchequer. A man can but confess,' continued the Baronet, elevating his eyebrows, and placing his two thumbs in the arm-holes of his doublet, his improvidence, misdeeds, and so forth; at the same time, one cannot but regret that the confession, acting as a wholesome penance, does not generally produce more beneficial results. For example: There's not a man within the dominions over which King George reigns, more ready to admit his errors, both commissions and omissions, than myself; and yet, by the faith of a Christian, if I were to have my humility cried

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