colonial brethren."

Peace being declared between France and England in 1748, the governor had
now an opportunity to sit at his ease in Grandfather's chair. Such repose,
however, appears not to have suited his disposition; for, in the following
year, he went to England, and thence was dispatched to France, on public
business. Meanwhile, as Shirley had not resigned his office,
Lieutenant-Governor Phips acted as chief magistrate in his stead.

Chapter IX

In the early twilight of Thanksgiving eve, came Laurence, and Clara, and
Charley, and little Alice, hand in hand, and stood in a semi-circle round
Grandfather's chair. They had been joyous, throughout that day of
festivity, mingling together in all kinds of play, so that the house had
echoed with their airy mirth.

Grandfather, too, had been happy, though not mirthful. He felt that this
was to be set down as one of the good Thanksgivings of his life. In truth,
all his former Thanksgivings had borne their part in the present one; for,
his years of infancy, and youth, and manhood with their blessings and
their griefs, had flitted before him, while he sat silently in the great
chair. Vanished scenes had been pictured in the air. The forms of departed
friends had visited him. Voices, to be heard no more on earth, had sent an
echo from the infinite and the eternal. These shadows, if such they were,
seemed almost as real to him, as what was actually present--as the merry
shouts and laughter of the children--as their figures, dancing like
sunshine before his eyes.

He felt that the past was not taken from him. The happiness of former days
was a possession forever. And there was something in the mingled sorrow of
his lifetime, that became akin to happiness, after being long treasured in
the depths of his heart. There it underwent a change, and grew more
precious than pure gold.

And now came the children, somewhat aweary with their wild play, and
sought the quiet enjoyment of Grandfather's talk. The good old gentleman
rubbed his eyes, and smiled round upon them all. He was glad, as most aged
people are, to find that he was yet of consequence, and could give
pleasure to the world. After being so merry, all day long, did these
children desire to hear his sober talk? Oh, then, old Grandfather had yet
a place to fill among living men,--or at least among boys and girls!

"Begin quick, Grandfather," cried little Alice; "for Pussy wants to hear
you."

And, truly, our