previous to a lengthened residence in the south of Europe, I should
certainly have retained Jasmin in the position which he has
occupied for so long a time with credit to himself and with
satisfaction to me.

"I have the honour, sir, to remain,
"Your obedient servant,
"SOLOMON MADGIN.

"---- CLEON, Esq.,
"Bon Repos, Windermere."


After writing and despatching the above epistle, over the composition of
which he chuckled to himself several times, Mr. Madgin was obliged to
wait, with what contentment was possible to him, the receipt of a
communication from his son. But one day passed after another without
bringing news from Bon Repos, till Mr. Madgin grew fearful that some
disaster had befallen both James and his scheme. At length he made up
his mind to wait two days longer, and should no letter come within that
time, to start at once for Windermere. Fortunately his anxiety was
relieved and the journey rendered unnecessary by the receipt, next day,
of a long letter from his son. It was Mirpah who took it from the
postman's hand, and Mirpah took it to her father in high glee. She knew
the writing and deciphered the post-mark. For once in his life Mr.
Madgin was too agitated to read. He put his hand to his side, and
motioned Mirpah to open the letter.

"Read it," he said in a husky voice, as she was about to hand it to him.
So Mirpah sat down near her father and read what follows:--