hands. I am not in the slightest degree offended, Darby--you will yet,
I trust, live to know better, may He grant it! I overlook the misprision
of blasphemy on your part, for you didn't know what you said? but you
will, you will.

"This is a short reply to Mr. M'Clutchy's note. I shall see him on my
way to the sessions to-morrow, but I have told him so in it. And now,
my friend, be assured I overlook the ungodly and carnal tenor of your
conversation--we are all frail and prone to error; I, at least, am
so--still we must part as Christians ought, Darby. You have asked me
for a breakfast, but I overlook that also--I ought to overlook it as
a Christian; for is not your immortal soul of infinitely greater value
than your perishable body? Undoubtedly--and as a proof that I value it
more, receive this--this, my brother sinner--oh! that I could say my
brother Christian also--receive it, Darby, and in the proper spirit too;
it is a tract written by the Rev. Vesuvius M'Slug, entitled 'Spiritual
Food for Babes of Grace;' I have myself found it graciously consolatory
and refreshing, and I hope that you also may, my friend."

"Begad, sir," said Darby, "it may be very good in its way, and I've
no doubt but it's a very generous and Christian act in you to give
it--espishilly since it cost you nothing--but for all that, upon my
sowl, I'm strongly of opinion that to a hungry man it's a bad substitute
for a breakfast."

"Ah! by the way, Darby," lending a deaf ear to this observation, "have
you heard, within the last day or two, anything of Mr. M'Clutchy's
father, Mr. Deaker--how he is?"

"Why, sir," replied Darby, "I'm tould he's breaking down fast, but the