AN INVITATION. 15 



creatures. Some, I dare say, have set it down as the amuse- 

 ment of my second childhood ; and, God help me ! perhaps 

 they are not far wrong." 



As the level rays of the setting sun, which had gleamed 

 forth after the storm, entered the window and fell upon the 

 old man's face, we perceived his eyes glistening with unusual 

 moisture. But no rheum of imbecility did it seem : an 

 effusion, rather, drawn up by memory and feelings, fresh and 

 powerful, from some well-spring of affection which age had 

 left unfrozen. 



We were sorry to have touched upon what was at all events 

 a tender theme in return for the good man's kindness : and 

 though our curiosity concerning the petted Lady -birds was 

 whetted rather than allayed, we took care to say nothing more 

 about them, and, fearing to commit a double error, forebore 

 all notice of the portraits. After an hour's sitting, our well 

 dried coat was resumed and we rose to depart. 



Yet, as with hearty acknowledgments we tendered our hand 

 to our kind entertainer, we relished not the thought of shaking 

 his for at once the first time and the last. Our card was prof- 

 fered " It would give me real pleasure, Sir, to return your hos- 

 pitality." The old gentleman bowed "You are very kind," 

 said he, " but I believe, Sir, that your rambles are generally 

 longer than mine, and if, in compassion to an old man's in- 

 firmities, you would now and then take another rest at my 

 poor abode, you would make me even more your debtoi*" 



