_Mrs. T. (outside)._ I've left my things downstairs, PH[OE]BE; you can take them up to my room. (_Entering._) Well, Pa, I hope you feel less poorly than you did, after your quiet evening at home?
_Mr. T. (flurried)._ Yes, my love, yes. I--I've had a peaceful time with _Peregrinations in Palestine_. A--a most absorbing book, my love.
_Mrs. T._ You would find it more absorbing, Pa, if you held it the right way up. You've been asleep!
_Mr. T._ No, indeed, I only wish I--that is--I may have dropped off for a moment.
_Charles (who has followed his Aunt)._ You wouldn't have had much chance of doing that if you'd been at Church, Uncle!
_Mrs. T._ No, indeed. Mr. POWLES preached a most awakening discourse, which I am glad to find CHARLES appreciated.
_Charles._ I meant the cushion in your pew, Uncle; you ought to have it restuffed. It's like sitting on a bag of mixed biscuits!
_Mrs. T._ We do not go to Church to be _comfortable_, CHARLES. Pa, Mr. POWLES alluded very powerfully, from the pulpit, to the recent commercial disasters, and the sinfulness of speculation in professing Christians. I wish you could have heard him.
_Mr. T. (squirming)._ A--a deprivation indeed, my love. But I was better at home--better at home.
_Mrs. T._ You will have other opportunities; he announces a course of weekday addresses, at the Mission Rooms, on "The Thin End of the Wedge of Achan." CHARLES, I gave you one of the circulars to carry for me. Where is it?
_Charles._ In my overcoat, I think, Aunt. Shall I go and get it?
_Mrs. T._ Not now; I haven't my spectacles by me. THEA, did you tell PH[OE]BE to pack your trunk the first thing to-morrow?
_Althea._ Yes, Mamma; but there is plenty of time. CECILIA doesn't expect me till the afternoon.
_Charles._ So THEA's going up to town for a few days' spree, eh, Aunt CORNELIA?
_Mrs. T. (severely)._ Your cousin is going on a visit to a married schoolfellow, who is her senior by two or three years, and who, I understand, was the most exemplary pupil Miss PRUINS ever had. I have no doubt Mrs. MERRIDEW will take ALTHEA to such entertainments as are fit and proper for her--picture-galleries, museums, concerts, possibly a lecture--but I should not describe that myself as a "spree."