sy, removed from all the minute and often cumbersome
ceremonies which had distinguished the old school. He generally rose
about noon, dined at three p.m., spent the evening at the opera or
theatre, and went to bed towards morning. Add to this, that he
collected old china, took much snuff, combed his wig in public, and was
unable to write legibly or spell correctly--and a finished portrait is
presented of Mr Marcus Welles, and through him of a fashionable London
gentleman of his day.

The impression made by Mr Welles on the ladies at the Abbey was of
varied character. Madam commended him, but with that faint praise which
is nearly akin to censure. He was well favoured, she allowed, and
seemed to be a man of parts; but in her young days it was considered
courteous to lead a lady to a chair before a gentleman seated himself;
and it was not considered courteous to omit the Madam in addressing her.
Rhoda said very little in her grandmother's presence, reserving her
opinion for Phoebe's private ear. But as soon as they were alone, the
girls stated their ideas explicitly.

"Isn't he a love of a dear?" cried Rhoda, in ecstasy.

"No, I don't think he is," responded Phoebe, in a tone of unmistakable
disgust.

"Why, Phoebe! Are you not sensible of the merit of such a man as that?"

"No, I am sure I did not see any," said Phoebe, as before.

"Oh, Phoebe! Such taste as he has! And his discourse! I never saw so
quick a wit. I am sure he is a man of great reach, and a man of figure
too. I shall think the time long till I see him again."

"Dear me! I shan't!" exclaimed Phoebe. "Taste? Well, I suppose you
may dress a doll with taste. His clothes are well enough, only they are
too fine for anything but visiting."

"Well, wasn't he visiting, you silly Phoebe?"

"And he may be a man of figure--I don't know; but as to reach! I wonder
what you saw in his discourse to admire; it seemed to me all about
nothing."

"Why, that's just his parts!" said Rhoda. "Any man can talk about
something; but to be able to talk in a clever, sprightly way about
nothing--that takes a man of reach."

"Well! he may take his reach out of my reach," answered Phoebe, in a
disgusted tone. "I shall think the time uncommonly short, I can promise
you, till I see him again; for I never wish to do it."

"Phoebe, I do believe you haven't one bit of discernment!"

But Phoebe held her peace.

Madam called in due form on her new guest at the