on hand. However, you do not look the worse for
that or for your studies either, boy, though I should be glad to hear
that you had determined to follow some steady pursuit, instead of
running your head into other people's quarrels, without any benefit to
yourself."

"That is the very thing I have been thinking of," answered Jack, as he
returned his respected cousin's greeting, "but I have no fancy for
sitting at a desk, nor for any other indoor work. Jasper is more suited
for that than I am."

He glanced as he spoke towards the slight figure of his brother, who
presented a considerable contrast to himself. The elder had handsome
features, with a somewhat sickly hue in his countenance, such as is
often produced by study and thought. His manner was refined, and the
expression of his countenance denoted an amiable and gentle disposition.

"We will not attempt to make an MD of you, at all events," answered
Cousin Nat. "Perhaps you would rather take to breaking men's bones than
attempting to cure them of their ailments, as I try to do, and as your
brother Jasper hopes to do also."

"Not especially," answered Jack: "I should like to see the world, but I
have not a fancy for knocking men on the head, and could never
understand the amusement some people find in it; but I have no objection
to stand up and defend my own if I am attacked, or to draw my sword in
the defence of a friend or a right cause."

Dr Nathaniel smiled at his young kinsman's remark. "You will not have
to wait long then, lad, before you find sufficient excuse for drawing
your sword, and fighting away with as hearty good-will as any of old
Noll's Ironsides ever did."

Just at this juncture dinner was announced, and the guests being
marshalled according to the strictest rules of precedence, took their
places round the well-covered table, on which the summer's sun, flaring
through the three tall windows, lighted up the goodly array of silver
tankards and pewter dishes, and a great store of blue oriental china.
Mrs Deane's duties were of no ordinary kind, every joint being placed
before her in succession, that she might employ her well-skilled hands
in carving it, the duty of passing the bottles in quick succession being
left to the host at the foot of the table.

The quiet, though far from retiring-mannered Jasper had enjoyed the
honour of handing down the fair Alethea, and had dexterously managed to
place himself by her side. Jack, who sat opposi