one, changed its external character, and came out in the shape of
affectionate forecast and provident regard for the wants and prospects
of his child. This gross deception of his own heart he felt as a relief;
for, though smitten with the world, it did not escape him that the
birth of his little one, all its circumstances considered, ought to have
caused him to feel an enjoyment unalloyed by the care and regret which
checked his sympathies as a parent. Neither was conscience itself
altogether silent, nor the blunt remonstrances of his servants wholly
without effect. Nay, so completely was his judgment overreached that he
himself attributed this anomalous state of feeling to a virtuous effort
of Christian duty, and looked upon the encroachments which a desire of
saving wealth had made on his heart as a manifest proof of much parental
attachment. He consequently loved his wealth through the medium of his
son, and laid it down as a fixed principle that every act of parsimony
on his part was merely one of prudence, and had the love of a father and
an affectionate consideration for his child's future welfare to justify
it.

The first striking instance of this close and griping spirit appeared
upon an occasion which seldom fails to open, in Ireland at least, all
the warm and generous impulses of our mature. When his wife deemed
it necessary to make those hospitable preparations for their child's
christening, which are so usual in the country, he treated her intention
of complying with this old custom as a direct proof--of unjustifiable
folly and extravagance--nay, his remonstrance with her exhibited such
remarkable good sense and prudence, that it was a matter of extreme
difficulty to controvert it, or to perceive that it originated from any
other motive than a strong interest in the true welfare of their child.

"Will our wasting meat and money, an' for that matthur health and time,