The Professor

in my desk the following copy of a letter, sent

magnetism drew thee and me together I know not; certainly I never experienced anything of the Pylades and Orestes sentiment for you, and I have reason to believe that you, on your part, were equally free from all romantic regard to me. Still, out of school hours we walked and talked continually together; when the th

y, my eye fell upon your name. I began to think of old times; to run over the events which have transpired since we separated; and I sat down

ncle the nobleman offered me the living of Seacombe, which is in his gift, if I would; then my other uncle, Mr. Seacombe, hinted that when I became rector of Seacomb

to one of my cousins! No doubt they are accomplished and pretty; but not an accomplishment, not a charm of theirs, touches a chord in my bosom. To think of passing the winter evenings by the parlou

make a good tradesman; my taste, my ambition does not lie in that way; but such was the scorn expressed in Lord Tynedale’s countenance as he pronounced the word trade — such the contemptuous sarcasm of his tone — that I was instantly decided. My father was but a name to me, yet that name I did not like to hear mentioned with a sneer to my very face. I answered then, with haste and warmth, ‘I cannot do

father-once reckoned a Croesus of wealth — became bankrupt a short time previous to his death, and that my mother lived in destitution for some six months after him, unhelped by her aristocratical brothers, whom she had mortally of

ined race; they knew also that they had influence in the borough of X——; and, making a virtue of necessity, they consented to defray the expenses of my education. I was sent to Eton, where I remained ten years, during which space of time Edward and I never met. He, when he grew up, entered into trade, and pursued his calling with such diligence, ability, and success, that now, in his thirtieth year, he was fast making a fortune. Of this I was apprised by the occasional short letters I received from him, some three or four times a year; which said letters never concluded without some expression of determined enmity against the house of Seacombe, and some reproach to me for living, as he said, on

tradesman. I asked, moreover, if he could give me employment. His answer expressed no approbation of my conduct, but he said I might come down to —— shire, if I liked, and he would ‘

—. I had always understood that Edward lived in this town, but on inquiry I found that it was only Mr. Crimsworth’s mill a

e shades of twilight, and the dark gloomy mists which deepened those shades, that the house was large, and the grounds surrounding it sufficiently spacious. I p

I advanced to the front door and rang. A man-servant opened it — I announced myself — he relieved me of my wet cloak and carpet-bag, and ushered me into a room furnished as a library, where th

t much that was doubtful in the subject of these conjectures, there was one thing tolerably certain — I was in no danger of encountering severe disappointment; from this, the moderation of my expectations guaranteed me. I anticipated no overflowings of fraternal tenderness; Edward’s letters had always been su

om them, I heard the avenue gates open: wheels approached the house; Mr. Crimsworth was arrived; and after the lapse of some minutes, and a brief

man, light-complexioned, well-made, and of athletic proportions; the first glance made me aware of an air of promptitude and sharpness, shown as well in his movements as in his port, his eye, and the gener

e, I noticed, had an abrupt accent, probably habitual to him; he spoke also with a guttural n

e here,’ said I. ‘I doubted at first the accuracy of his infor

lf an hour behind time, waiting for you — that is all.

de no answer, but stirred the fire, as if to cover

t moment of meeting, betrayed any warmth, any enthusiasm;

with Tynedale and Seac

with them; my refusal of their proposals will, I fancy

serve two masters.” Acquaintance with Lord Tynedale will be incompatible with assistance from me.’

tution of men’s minds. I do not know what inference Mr. Crimsworth drew from my silence — whether he considered it a symptom of con

to some other points; but now it is supper time, and

I like as Tynedale, Seacombe, the Misses Seacombe — as the affectionate relative now striding before me? or is she better than these? Shall I, in

always take voices into the account in judging of character) was lively — it indicated, I thought, good animal spirits. Mr. Crimsworth soon checked her animated scolding with a kiss — a kiss that still told of the bridegroom (they had not yet been married a year); she took her seat at the supper-table in first-rate spirits. Perceiving me, she begged my pardon for not noticing me before, and then shook hands with me, as ladies do when a flow of good-humo

talk so? He says he will drive Jack, and no other

rous to read there the intelligence which I could not discern in her face or hear in her conversation; it was merry, rather small; by turns I saw vivacity, vanity, coquetry, look out through its irid, but I watched in vain for a glimpse of soul. I am no Oriental; white necks, carmine lips and cheeks, clusters of bright curls, do not suffice f

d my disappointment; she took it as a homage to her beauty, and Edward, who was evidently

h, I bent my thoughts to the examination of these pictures. They were portraits — a lady and a gentleman, both costumed in the fashion of twenty years ago. The gentleman was in the shade. I could not see him well. The lady had the benefit

s in the world, and I appreciated keenly its thoughtful, yet gentle expression. The serious grey eye possessed for me a stro

t conducted me to my bed-room; in closing my chamber-door, I

e present, “Will

cepted a Government appointment in one of the colonies, and was already on his wa

My narrative is not exciting, and above all, not marvellous; but it may interest some individuals, who, having toiled in the same vocation as mys