Guy Mannering.

GUY MANNERING. 227
When the day was concluded, Mannering took an
opportunity to hold a minute's conversation with his
daughter in private.
"How do you like your guests, Julia?"
"0, Miss Bertram of all things.-But this is a most
original parson —why, dear sir, no human being will be
able to look at him without laughing."
"While he is under my roof, Julia, every one must
learn to do so."
" Lord, papa, the very footmen could not keep their
gravity! "
" Then let them strip off my livery," said the Colonel,
"and laugh at their leisure. Mr. Sampson is a man
whom I esteem for his simplicity and benevolence of
character."
"0, I am convinced of his generosity too," said this
lively lady; "he cannot lift a spoonful of soup to his
mouth without bestowing a share on every thing round."
"Julia, you are incorrigible;-but remember, I expect
your mirth on this subject to be under such restraint, that
it shall neither offend this worthy man's feelings nor those
of Miss Bertram, who may be more apt to feel upon his
account than he on his own. And so, good-night, my
dear; and recollect that, though Mr. Sampson has certainly not sacrificed to the graces, there are many things
in this world more truly deserving of ridicule than either
awkwardness of manners or simplicity of character."
In a day or two Mr. and Mrs. Mac-Morlan left Woodbourne, after taking an affectionate farewell of their late
guest. The household were now settled in their new
quarters. The young ladies followed their studies and
amusements together. Colonel Mannering was agreeably
surprised to find that Miss Bertram was well skilled in