of his guardian, Mr. Egerton, and loved both him and his lady with such intense affection, that he might be called cheerful in general. He was, however, given to thinking much and it is certain, poor fellow! he had much to think about from the situation of his affairs. But his mind was more disposed to pore over his books, than to calculate on his probable loss; and he was more anxious on the subject of gaining knowledge, whereby he might ensure honourable competence for himself, than solicitous to retain that which his father had bequeathed him.

Charles Egerton, a lively, good-natured, but impetuous youth, never troubled his head with any worldly cares; for he had been, all his short life, alike a stranger to want and fear. He had his share of all schoolboy troubles, it is true; but to Frederick he constantly looked for the friend, which his deficiencies required as to his lessons, or the mediator, which his play-ground offences rendered desirable. So all-important to his improvement and his pleasure had this amiable youth become, that it is certain even

a trip to Paris would have been valueless in his eyes, if not shared by Frederick, who, on his part, rejoiced exceedingly, yet lamented that he had not a little more time on his hands, in order to look into the history of France, and thereby render the sight of palaces and particular places in Paris more interesting.

"Oh !" exclaimed Charles, "I don't care for that at all! One may soon look into the Guide-book for that sort of thing; and, I dare say, Emily (though she is but a girl) will have it all at her fingers' ends. What I want to see is the mounsheers in their own country, which, I take it, is not half as good as this, only grander in its old chateaux, and new triumphal arches, and such like. Besides, I want to have a real sea voyage, not a sail on the Thames. I do hope papa will not cross over on that little slip of water which divides us from Calais or Boulogne."

"He has been over frequently, and knows what is best to be done," replied Frederick. "I think we ought not to give any opinion on the matter; so far as I am concerned

personally, I can only receive this great kindness gratefully, and take it gladly, in whatever shape it is given."

As this kind of acquiescence was no part of Charles's system, that youth, about a week after they had returned home, earnestly entreated his father to take them over by any other route than the short passage; and, as his mamma expressed a great desire to see Rouen, it was settled that they should go down to Southampton by railway, and thence proceed to Havre; Mr. Egerton, however, observing that he feared their voyage must be performed in the night, which would deprive poor Charles of seeing much of the

sea.

66

Oh, no, papa! it will be all the better; for the moon is a very good sized one just now, and will be exceedingly beautiful, when she shines on the ocean, with all the stars around her, as old Homer says. And then, to think of the sun rising on the coast of France! it will be delightful! I shall remain on deck all night; and so, most likely, shall we all.”

"I think not," said his father, with a gentle shake of the head; but he would make no comment that should damp the hilarity of his exulting and thankful son.

CHAPTER II.

MANY comments were made by our young travellers on their railroad transit to Southampton, by no means complimentary to the tract of country they were passing through; but, on their arrival at that ancient sea-port, they were exceedingly pleased at all they had time to see of it. They walked down the wide, beautiful street, and through the noble arch which crowns it, commenting on the evident antiquity of many of the houses, and earnestly wishing they could spend a day there, and visit the fine ruins in the neighbourhood, of which they saw views in the shop windows. Just when this wish had been most strongly expressed, Mr. Egerton joined them, having previously been en

gaged in ordering dinner, and making inquiries about the steamer.

66

My dear children," said he, "it must be an understood thing amongst us, that, whilst we endeavour to see the greatest part of those things which claim our admiration, we yet hold ourselves able and willing to relinquish much that is well worth attention. If we do not make up our minds to enjoy what we can, and to resign what we cannot attain, we shall become a company of grumbling, dissatisfied travellers, instead of an agreeable and well-informed family party; who, in bearing with temper their disappointments and their sufferings also, will have gained a far more important lesson than all the shows in the world could afford to our minds and memories."

"Oh! papa, we are content,-more than content," cried Emily.

66

Indeed, sir, I care for nothing but the sea," said Charles; "only I thought Frederick would like to see the old Abbey."

"I told you, dear Charles, even at school, that your papa knew best about the whole