arranged in social converse round our Fireside, we were on a
sudden greatly astonished, by hearing a violent knocking on the
outward door of our rustic Cot.

My Father started--"What noise is that," (said he.) "It sounds
like a loud rapping at the door"--(replied my Mother.) "it does
indeed." (cried I.) "I am of your opinion; (said my Father) it
certainly does appear to proceed from some uncommon violence
exerted against our unoffending door." "Yes (exclaimed I) I
cannot help thinking it must be somebody who knocks for
admittance."

"That is another point (replied he;) We must not pretend to
determine on what motive the person may knock--tho' that someone
DOES rap at the door, I am partly convinced."

Here, a 2d tremendous rap interrupted my Father in his speech,
and somewhat alarmed my Mother and me.

"Had we better not go and see who it is? (said she) the servants
are out." "I think we had." (replied I.) "Certainly, (added my
Father) by all means." "Shall we go now?" (said my Mother,) "The
sooner the better." (answered he.) "Oh! let no time be lost"
(cried I.)

A third more violent Rap than ever again assaulted our ears. "I
am certain there is somebody knocking at the Door." (said my
Mother.) "I think there must," (replied my Father) "I fancy the
servants are returned; (said I) I think I hear Mary going to the
Door." "I'm glad of it (cried my Father) for I long to know who