"Lady Frances Hazlitt, Charles! Surely the most fastidious might pronounce her handsome?"

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regard the future as an undefinable something pregnant with light and life; to such, diamond-like are the sands that sparkle in the hour-glass of Time, while the wither

My dear fellow, you must permit me to correct your taste. Observe, I pray you, the short chin, and that un-ed hand which holds the mystic vessel, is unheeded or fortunate nose; it is absolutely retroussé."

"You are a strange being, my good lord,” replied his friend, after a pause. "I would wager a good round sum, that, notwithstanding your rank, fortune, and personal advantages, you will die-or, at all events, not marry until you are-a veritable old bachelor. I pray thee, tell me, what do you require?-A Venus?-A Diana?-A Juno?-A-a.

"Simply, a woman, my dear fellow; not indeed one of those beings arrayed in drapery, whom you see moving along our streets, with Chinese features, smoke-dried skins, and limbs that might rival those of a Hercules; nor yet one of your be-scented, spider-waisted priminies, who lisp and amble-assume a delicacy which they never felt, and grace which they never possessed. My ideas of woman's perfections-of the perfections, in fact, which I desire, and—I may say"-(Lord Charles Villiers was certainly a very handsome and a very fashionable man, and yet his modesty, I suppose, made him hesitate in pronouncing the latter word)—“ I may-I-thinksay-des rve," gaining courage as he proceeded, "are not as extravagant as those required by your favourite Henri Quatre. He insisted on seven perfections. I should feel blessed, if the lady of my love were possessed of six."

"Moderate and modest," observed his friend, laughing. "I pray you, tell me what they are?"

"Noble birth, beauty, prudence, wit, gentleness, and fidelity." Sir Harry Beauclerc drew forth his tablets, and on the corner of the curiously-wrought memorials engraved the qualities Lord Charles had enumerated, not with fragile lead, but with the sharp point of his penknife. "Shall I add," he enquired," that these requisites are indispensable ?"

"Most undoubtedly," replied his lordship. "Adieu, then, Charles-Lady Frances's carriage is returning, and as you declare fairly off, I truly tell you that I will try to make an impression on her gentle heart; you certainly were first in the field, but as you are insensible to such merit, I cannot think you either deserve to win or wear it. Adieu! au revoir !" And with a deeper and more prolonged salute than the present courtesies of life are supposed to require, the two young fashionables separated-one lounging listlessly towards the then narrow and old-fashioned gate which led from Hyde Park into Piccadilly, trolling snatches of the last cavatina, which the singing of a Mara or a Billington had rendered fashionable; the other proceeding, with the firm and animated step that tells plainly of a fixed purpose, to meet the respectable family carriage, graced by the really charming Frances, only daughter of the Earl of Heaptown.

To look forward for a period of five-and-twenty years blanches many a fair cheek, and excites the glow of hope and enthusiasm in those of vigorous and determined character; while the beauty trembles for her empire-the statesman for his place the monarch even for his throne —those who have nothing to lose, and every thing to gain,

unseen. So be it so, doubtless, it is best. One of the choicest blessings bestowed by the Creator on the creature, is a hopeful spirit!

Five-and-twenty summers had passed over the brow of Lord Charles Villiers since Sir Harry Beauclerc noted on his tablet the six indispensable qualities the young nobleman would require in his wife. The lord still remained an unmarried, and an admired man, seeking to find some lady worthy his affections. It is too true that some of the young creatures, just come out, on whose cheek the blush of innocence and modesty still glowed, and whose untutored eyes prated most earnestly of what passed in the sacred citadel, called heart,—such creatures, I say, did discover, to the sad annoyance of their speculating mothers, and sensible(Heaven bless the word!)-sensible chaperons, that Lord Charles's once beautiful hair was now indebted to "the Tyrian dye" for its gloss and hue; and that, moreover, a most ingenious scalp mixed its artificial ringlets with his once exquisite curls, that the belles (whom a few years had rendered staid mammas, and even grand-I cannot finish the horrid word) used to call, in playful poetry, "Cupid's bowstrings!" Then his figure had grown rotund ; he sat long after dinner, prided himself upon securing a cook fully equal to Ude-(I write it with all possible respect)-equal to Eustache Ude in his best days; descanted upon the superiority of pheasant dressed en galantine, to that served in aspic jelly; and gained immortal honour at a committee of taste, by adding a most piquant and delightful ingredient to Mr Dolby's "Sauce à l'Aurore.” These gastronomical propensities are sure symptoms of increasing years and changing constitution; but there were other characteristics of" old boyishness" about Lord Charles, which noted him as a delightful gentleman "of a certain age." A rich silk handkerchief was always carefully folded, and placed within the bosom of his exquisitely made Stultz, ready to wrap round his throat when he quitted the delightful crush-room of the delightful Opera, to ascend his carriage; then an occasional twinge reminded him of the existence of gout-a most unpleasant reminiscence in the galopade, which he was hardy-I had almost said fool-hardy-enough to attempt. Had he not been so perfectly well bred, he would have been considered touchy and testy; the excellent discipline of the old school fortunately preserved him from those bachelor-like crimes, at all events in ladies' society; and whatever spleen he had, he wisely only vented on those who could not return it; namely, his poor relations, his servants, and occasionally, but not often, (for he was a member of the society for preventing cruelty to animals,) on his dogs and horses. However, his figure was as erect, if not as graceful, as ever; and many a fair lady sighed at the bare idea of his enduring to the end in single misery.

Sir Harry Beauclerc never visited London except during the sitting of Parliament; and it was universally allowed that he discharged his duties as M. P. for his native county with zeal and independence. Wonderful to say, he neither ratted nor sneaked; and yet Whigs, Tories, and Radicals, treated him with deference and respect. He had long been the husband of her, who, when our sketch was commenced, was known as Lady Frances Hazlitt; and it would be rare to behold a more charming assembly of handsome and happy faces than their fire-side circle presented at the celebration of merry Christmas. The younger portion of this family were noisily and busily occupied at a game of forfeits, while those who considered themselves the elders of the juvenile set, sate gravely discussing matters of domestic or public interest with their parents, when a thundering peal at the portal announced the arrival of some benighted visitor. I am

-a very worthy-a most excellent man-not exactly one of us-but a highly respectable person I assure you; his name is Scroggins."

"I am anxious, I do confess, that Lady Frances should receive Lady Charles Villiers here,” persevered his lordship, after a very long pause; "and I can answer for it, that the native and untutored manners of my unsophisticated bride would gain hourly upon her affections."

not about to introduce a hero of romance at such an unseemly hour,-only our old acquaintance Lord Charles, who claimed the hospitality of his friend as protection against an impending snow-storm. When the family "Powers of fashion!" mentally ejaculated the baronet, had retired for the night, a bottle of royal Burgundy "will it can it be believed-the courted, the exquisite was placed on the table as the sleeping-cup of the host and Lord Charles Villiers-the glass of fashion, and the his guest; old times were reverted to; and Sir Harry mould of form'—the star, the idol of ton and taste-marfancied that there was more design than accident in the|ried—positively married to Molly Scroggins of Bunhillvisit with which he had been honoured. This feeling row!" was confirmed by Lord Charles drawing his chair, in a confidential manner, towards his friend, and observing that he was a lucky and a happy fellow to be blessed with so lovely a family and so amiable and domestic a companion." Sir Harry smiled, and only replied that he was happy; and he hoped his friend would not quietly sink into the grave without selecting some partner, whose smiles would gild the evening of his days, &c. &c. A fine sentimental speech it was, but ill-timed; for the gallant bachelor suffered it to proceed little farther than " evening," when he exclaimed," Faith, Sir Harry, you must have strange ideas. Evening! I consider myself in the prime and vigour of existence; and I have serious ideas of changing my condition-it is pleasant to settle before one falls into the sere and withered leaf. And although, as I said before, I feel myself in the very vigour of life, yet it is time to determine. You are considerably my senior——."

"Only a few months, my dear friend ;—my birthday in May, yours in the January of the next year."

"Indeed! Well, to tell you the truth, (it is however a profound secret, and I rely on your friendship.) I am really a married man !—There—I knew I should surprise you. I shall surprise every body."

"Most sincerely do I wish you joy, my dear lord, and doubt not your choice is fixed upon one who will secure your happiness. I am sure Lady Frances will be delighted at an introduction.-Your pardon one moment, while I relate a most extraordinary coincidence. Do you remember my noting down the six perfections which you required the lady of your choice to possess?-perhaps you recollect it was some five-and-But no matter—well, the tablets upon which I wrote, this morning-only this very morning, I was looking over a box of papers, and, behold! there they were, and do you know, (how very odd, was it not?) I put them in my waistcoat pocket," continued the worthy baronet, at the same moment drawing them forth, "intending to show them to my eldest son,-for there's a great deal—I assure you I speak in perfect sincerity a great deal-My dear lord, what is the matter? you look ill?" To confess the truth, Lord Charles appeared marvellously annoyed-be fidgeted on his chair-the colour heightened on his cheek, and he finally thrust the poker into the fire with terrific violence. "Never mind the tablets, my good friend," said he at last; "men change their tastes and opinions as they advance in life-I was a mere boy then, you know, full of romance."

"Your pardon, my lord-less of romance than most young men," replied the persevering and tactless baronet, who was, moreover, gifted with a provokingly good memory, "decidedly less of romance than most young men-and not such a boy either. Here are the precious mementos. First on the list stands 'NOBLE BIRTH;' right, right, my dear lord, nothing like it-that (entre nous) is Lady Frances's weak point, I confess; she really carries it too far, for she will have it-that not even a royal alliance could purify a citizen." Lord Charles Villiers looked particularly dignified as he interrupted his zealous friend. "It is rather unfortunate," be observed gravely, "that I should have chosen you as my confidant on this occasion; the fact is, that, knowing how devilish proud all my connexions are, and my Mary-what a sweet name Mary is!-you remember Byron's beautiful lines,

'I have a passion for the name of Mary?' -my Mary's father was only a merchant—a—a citizen

"Of course-of course, we shall be most bappy to receive ber ladyship," stammered forth the baronet; "and doubtless her BEAUTY”—glancing at the tablets

"Pardon me, Sir Harry," interrupted the nobleman; "you must not expect what in our world is denominated Beauty;—she is all animation

'Happy nature, wild and simple'

rosy and laughing, but not a beauty, believe me "

Again the astounded baronet pondered. "What a subject for Almack's-the rosy, (doubtless signifying redfaced,) laughing (meaning romping) daughter of some city butterman, thrust into the peerage by the folly of a man who might have plucked the fairest, noblest flower in the land!"

"At all events," he said, when his powers of articulation returned, 66 your lady is endowed with both PRUDENCE and Wir, and nothing so likely to create a sensation in the beau monde as such a combination."

"Oh, yes-prudence I daresay she will have, much cannot be expected from a girl of seventeen; and as to wit, between you and me, it is a deuced dangerous and troublesome weapon, when wielded by a woman."

“A flirt and a fool, I suspect,” again fancied Sir Harry, "in addition to her other qualifications."

"GENTLENESS and FIDELITY," he ejaculated, fixing his eyes on the unfortunate tablets, while Lord Charles, evidently determined no longer to endure the baronet's untimely reference to the detestable memorials, snatched them (it is perfectly astonishing what rude acts polite persons will sometimes perform) from the hand of his friend, and flung them into the fire.

"Heavens and earth, sir! what do you mean by such conduct?" said Sir Harry, at the same time snatching them from the flames. "These ivory slates are dear to me as existence. I must say, that I consider such conduct very ungenerous, ungentlemanly," &c. &c. One angry word produced another; and much was said which it would ill befit me to repeat. The next morning, even before the dawn of day, Lord Charles Villiers had quitted Beauclerc Hall, without bidding a single farewell either to its lady or its master.

“ There !” exclaimed the baronet, placing the fashionable "Post" in Lady Frances's hand at the breakfast-table one morning, about three months after the above scene had taken place; "I knew how it would be; a pretty fool that noble friend of mine, Lord Charles Villiers, has made of himself. I never knew one of these absurdly particular men who did not take the crooked stick at last. By Jove, sir," (to his son,) "you shall marry before you are five-and-twenty, or you shall be disinherited! The youthful mind is ever pliable; and the early wed grow into each other's habits, feelings, and affections. An old bachelor is sure either to make a fool of himself, or be made a fool of. You see his lordship's wife has publicly shown that she certainly did not possess the last of his requisites FIDELITY-by eloping with her footman. I will journey up to town on purpose to invite Lord Charles here, and make up matters; he will be glad to escape from the désagremens of exposure just now, as he is

original character. It was religion fallen and degraded, yet still nothing less than "archangel ruined." There was a leaning to the heart-imagination and affection in all this; and though the medium through which these were led to contemplate a particular and a present Providence was muddy and disturbed, and calculated fear fully to distort, yet still the object contemplated was nothing less sacred, or less supporting, than that voice and presence which were with Adam at the cool of the day in Paradise.

In the legendary lore of our popular religious belief, a new approximation to this species of superstition is distinctly observable.

lighted, under the influence of a “presens numen,” a crucified Redeemer, and the answer to such enquiry is already made.

It is in Christ, of whose nativity in this land of sorrow the season so forcibly reminds us-it is in Christ that the "medio tulissimus" is attainable. Here we have the Universal Father combined and blended with the particular and special Providence. In him we have the union of all that is grand and overpowering in omnipotence, combined with all that is encouraging, and heart-cheering, and transporting in omnipresence! The worshipper of Christ, who, under a hedge, or in the midst of a storm, addresses his Saviour, is as much impressed with his personal and even material presence, as if he were exclusively his own Redeemer; whilst the notions which he entertains of his universal supremacy, attire his God in the garb of universal providence. He fondly exclaims,

"With joy and hope that healing hand I seeThe skies it form'd, and yet it bled for me!"

Our forefathers had their "hearth bairns," or Lares, which flocked around the fire after the family had retired to rest," without co'ering up the wee greeshoch." Beneath their door-step, and underneath every uncultivated knowe, were those little green-coated fairies, who, on days of revelment, and particularly at Christmas, held high council in their subterraneous apartments, and rode forth with the jingling accompaniment of bridle and palfrey, over and adown fields of air, and glens of remote and mysterious revelment. They❘ It is thus that superstition and Deism, the two extremes had their brownies, too, though their reign was of less ancient commencement and more limited duration, who laboured in the peat-croft, thrashed in the barn, or presided at the cradle. Nor were shelly-coats, or waterkelpies, awanting, to trouble the flood and preside in the storm. The night, and the linn, and the woodland, were crowded with spirits, under various designations, which, Ducrow-like, would vary their habiliments of shape and form, thus multiplying their designation and their agency throughout their dark and their dreary kingdoms! Wraiths, ghosts, and witches a kind of Lemures-made up a muster-roll of spiritual agencies, before which the souls of our ancestors rejoiced in confidence, or trembled in dread, which they propitiated or deprecated, as their character inspired hope, or awakened fear.

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Now, fearfully absurd and somewhat revolting as all this undoubtedly is, I had by ten thousand degrees rather be an old superstitious woman, with all her nurtured roll of superstition in my heart, than a modern infidel. To the one the spiritual world is still revealed; she sees it indeed darkly as through a glass, but still she sees it; but the other is presented with an universal blank." I had as lief live like a toad pent up in a rock, or like the spirit Asmodeus in a bottle hermetically sealed, as live in this sky-bound, sea-girt, earth-hedged, horizon-walled world on such terms! To the anti-spiritual philosopher and his "cell," which men denominate the world, I would prefer a very dungeon, the merest corner, provided one kindly spiritual presence were permitted to accompany me in my confinement.

But "medio tutissimus;" and where does this lie? Ask that pious old woman, who with the Bible under one arm and a little grand-daughter under the other, makes her way every evening to the corner of her kitchen garden, there to pour forth her soul in the presence of her God, in accents, it may be, which know not articulation! Ask that devout head of a family, before whose eyes the spectacles are now placed, and on whose knees now lies open the Bible-all glowing as it is with instruction and comfort! Ask that bed-rid person, who for years has recollected texts and quoted scripture, struggled and striven to be with God in a closer union than mortality will admit of! Oh, ask that repentant, heart-stricken sinner, into whose wounds, which have been probed to the bottom, the oil of consolation, from the censer of an imputed righteousness, is now in the very act of being poured! Ask that orphan, destitute child, which sits by the lone rock weeping, whilst the arm of her dead father is "heaving with the heaving billow!" Ask that mother, who over a child in her lap wipes and wipes the cold sweat from the brow of an expiring husband-a dying father! Ask, oh ask your own heart, how and by what means, on numberless occasions, you have been consoled, comforted, de

of religious sentiment and belief, are made to meet; and whilst each is compelled to recede from their peculiar absurdities and presumptions, they are collected around the standard of the cross, over their “ crucified omnipotence" there.

Let us all combine in gratitude to Him, who hath preserved us from the cold northerly aspect of a general providence on the one hand, and a wilderness of perplexing absurdities on the other; and whilst our hearts burn heavenward within us, let us extend the kindly grasp, and pronounce the benevolent wish of the season. How much preferable this, to that voice which rings in the hall, or through the street-to that aspect of deep and fervent intoxication, which this season of the Son of Man is perverted to awaken and exhibit! We are no ascetics, nor is it our practice or our wish to mar hilarity, or damp innocent enjoyment. The family circle, with its faces of light and innocence, all redolent with delight, that now they have advanced another step in the pathway of life-the parental smile, and brotherly recognition-the extra glass, and additional viand—the song that thrills, and tone that vibrates-all these, with a whole halo of charities and sympathies, we hail as peculiarly becoming and well-timed at this season; but let him who now drugs his soul on a continued and unremitting round of rioting, remember, that, in addition to the inherent sinfulness of such a course, is added its unseasonablenes in" a Christian." St Andrews.

A ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE.

From the "Correspondence and Reminiscences" of the Right
Hon. Sir John Sinclair, Bart., now in the press.
My acquaintance with Mr Windham led to a train
of circumstances, which, taken together, form one of the
most singular series of adventures that ever occurred in
real life, and resemble more a fictitious romance, than an
authentic history.

at a boarding-school at Perth, where novels might be had from the circulating library, and that she still procured them through the same channel. We carried on the conversation for some time, in the course of which she displayed a great deal of smartness and talent; and at last we were obliged, very reluctantly, to leave her, and proceed on our journey. We afterwards found that she was the daughter of a proprietor of that neighbourhood, who was known under the name of The Baron Maclaren.' I have never been able," continued Mr Windham, “to get this beautiful mountain nymph out of my head, and I wish you to ascertain whether she is married or single." He begged me to clear up this point as soon as possible, as much of his future happiness depended upon the result of the enquiry.

I lost no time in attending to this request, and applied for information to a most respectable clergyman in the neighbourhood where Miss Maclaren lived, (the Rev. Dr Stewart, minister of Moulin,) who informed me, in course of post, that she was married to a medical gentleman, of the name of Dick, who had gone to the East Indies. Upon communicating this to Mr Windham, he seemed very much agitated. He was soon afterwards married to the daughter of a half-pay officer. I have no doubt, however, that had Miss Maclaren continued single, he would have paid her his addresses.

Some years afterwards, I happened to be spending some days at Duneira, in Perthshire, with the late Lord Melville, and, in the course of our conversation, mentioned the above anecdote of Mr Windham; upon which the noble lord said, "I am more interested in this matter than you imagine. You must know that, in company At a late hour one evening, I received a few lines from with some friends, I was riding down from Blair to my friend Dr Adam Smith, (the particular time I do Dunkeld, when we called at Baron Maclaren's, where a not recollect,) requesting my company at dinner next day, most beautiful young woman desired to speak with me. to meet the celebrated Edmund Burke and Mr Wind- We went accordingly to the bank of a river near her faham, who had arrived at Edinburgh, with an intention ther's house, when she said, Mr Dundas, I hear that of making a short tour through the Highlands. The you are a very great man, and, what is much better, a Doctor apologised for the shortness of the notice, stating, very good man. I will venture, therefore, to tell you a that the travellers had arrived only that morning, and secret. There is a young man in this neighbourhood, proposed remaining but one day more in Edinburgh. I who has a strong attachment to me, and, to confess the went accordingly, and passed some hours, as might be ex- truth, I have a great regard for him. His name is Wilpected in the company of such men, in the most gratify-liam Dick: he has been bred to the medical profession; ing manner. I gave them my advice as to the plan they ought to adopt in making their intended tour; and, in particular, dwelt on the beauty of the road between Dunkeld and Blair; adding, that instead of being cooped up in a post-chaise, they had better get out, and walk through the delightful woods and beautiful scenes they would pass through, the more especially some miles beyond Dunkeld.

I had almost forgotten these circumstances, when, about three years after, Mr Windham, very unexpectedly, came to me in the House of Commons, and requested to speak to me for a few moments behind the Speaker's chair. "Do you recollect," said he, "our meeting together at Adam Smith's at dinner ?"". Most certainly I

do."

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"Do you remember having given us directions for our Highland tour, and more especially to stroll through the woods between Dunkeld and Blair?"" 1 do."

He then added, "An event took place in consequence of our adopting that advice, of which I must now inform you. Burke and I were strolling through the woods, about ten miles from Dunkeld, when we saw a young female sitting under a tree reading. Burke immediately exclaimed, Let us have a little conversation with this solitary damsel, and see what she is about. We accosted her accordingly, and found that she was reading a recent novel from the London press. We asked her how she came to read novels? How she got such books at so great a distance from the metropolis; and more especially one so recently published? She answered, that she had been educated

• The Right Hon. William Windham.

and he says, that if he could get to be a surgeon in the East Indies, he would soon make his fortune there, and would send for me to marry him. Now, I apply to you, Mr Dundas, as a great and a good man, in hopes that you can do something for us; and be assured, that we shall be ever grateful, if you will procure him an appointment.'" Lord Melville was so much struck with the impressive manner of her address, that he took her by the hand, and said, "My good girl, be assured, that if an opportunity offers, I shall not forget your application."

Lord Melville then added, that some time afterwards he received a summons to attend his duty in Parliament, and in his way, happened to visit a friend who was an East India Director. After dinner, his friend said to bim," By the by, Mr Dundas, politicians, like you, have many applications in favour of young men, in various lines of life. I think it right, therefore, to tell you, that I have at present at my disposal an appointment of sur geon in the service of the East India Company, and that it is much at your service.”

(Lord Melville was so much surprised at the singularity of the circumstance, that he struck his hand forcibly against the table where they sat, and exclaimed, with much vehemence," The very thing I most anxiously wished for!" He then related his adventure at Baron Maclaren's, greatly to the amusement of the India Director. Mr Dick was immediately appointed surgeon; and having gone to the East Indies, was soon placed in a situation which enabled him to send for Miss Maclaren, to whom he was married, and Mr Windham was thus disappointed of his northern alliance. In the course of the voyage, and after her arrival in the East, she had se