light, of apples that grow on the highest boughs of the
orchard, and of grapes that are found sweetest on the tops of the
vines."

"Very beautiful in theory," said Chester.

"When you have studied the subject, perhaps you will find some grains of
truth in the chaff," replied the clergyman, with a genial smile.

"In the first place," rejoined Chester, with the confidence of a man who
has a powerful argument to advance, "speaking of nuts,--let us look at
the chestnut. You will everywhere find that the tallest trees produce
the poorest nuts."

"I grant it."

"Then how does your theory hold?"

Mr. Rensford answered the young man's triumphant look with a mild
expression of countenance, which showed a spirit equally happy in
teaching or in being taught.

"I think," said he, "your tall chestnut-tree is found in forests?"

"Yes, sir; and the spreading chestnut, or the second growth, that
springs up and comes to maturity in cleared fields, is found standing
alone."

"It strikes me, then, that the last is _cultivated_. You may expect
better nuts from it than from the savage tree. And there is good reason
why it should not be of such majestic stature. Its body has room to
expand. It is not crowded in the selfish society of the woods; and, to
put forth its fruits in the sunlight, it is not obliged to struggle
above the heads of emulous companions."

"But chestnuts are very unhealthy," said Mrs. Royden, to the relief of
Chester, who was at a loss how to reply.

"They should not be unhealthy. If we had not abused our digestive
organs, and destroyed our teeth by injurious habits, we would suffer no
inconvenience from a few handfuls of chestnuts. As it is, masticate them
well, and use them as food,--and not as luxuries, after the gastric
juices are exhausted by a hearty dinner,--and I doubt if they would do
much harm."

VII.

CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE.

"Dear me!" cried Mrs. Royden, as the clergyman declined tasting the pie
Hepsy brought on as a dessert, "you haven't eaten anything at all! You'd
better try a small piece?"

The old man thanked her kindly, adding that he had eaten very heartily.

"I am afraid you will not be able to get through the forenoon," she
replied.

"Nay, don't tempt me," he said playfully, as she insisted on the pie.
"My constitution was never strong; and, with my sedentary habits, I
should never have reached the age of seventy-two, if I had not early
learned to control my appetites. It