Madgin, as he took off his spectacles and refolded the letter. "Still, I
do not think it by any means a discouraging report. If James's patience
only equal his shrewdness and audacity, and if there be really anything
to worm out, he will be sure to make himself master of it in the course
of time. Ah! if he had only my patience, now--the patience of an old man
who has won half his battles by playing a waiting game."

"Is it not possible that Lady Chillington may want you to read the
letter?"

"It is quite possible. But James's irreverent style is hardly suited in
parts for her ladyship's ears. You, dear child, must make an improved
copy of the letter. Your own good taste will tell you which sentences
require to be altered or expunged. Here and there you may work in a neat
compliment to your father; as coming direct from James, her ladyship
will not deem it out of place--it will not sound fulsome in her ears,
and will serve to remind her of what she too often forgets--that in
Solomon Madgin she has a faithful steward, who ought to be better
rewarded than he is. Write out the copy at once, my child, and I will
take it up to Deepley Walls the first thing to-morrow morning."

(_To be continued_.)




ABOUT THE WEATHER.


Why is it that we in England talk so much about the weather? One reason,