hair and
bent shoulders, who was just as bad the other way; who always ran out
of the back door when visitors called, and was for ever moping and
reading: and this, in spite of Melchior's hiding his books, and
continually telling him that he was a disgrace to the family, a
perfect bear, not fit to be seen, etc.--all with the laudable desire
of his improvement. There was that little Hop-o'-my-Thumb, as lively
as any of them, a young monkey, the worst of all; who was always in
mischief, and consorting with the low boys in the village; though
Melchior did not fail to tell him that he was not fit company for
gentlemen's sons, that he was certain to be cut when he went to
school, and that he would probably end his days by being transported,
if not hanged. There was the second brother, who was Melchior's chief
companion, and against whom he had no particular quarrel. And there
was the little pale lame sister, whom he dearly loved; but whom, odd
to say, he never tried to improve at all; his remedy for her failings
was generally, 'Let her do as she likes, will you?' There were others
who were all tiresome in their respective ways; and one after the
other they climbed up.

"'What are you doing, getting on to my bed!' inquired the indignant
brother, as soon as he could speak.

"'Don't you know the difference between a bed and a coach, godson?'
said Time, sharply.

"Melchior was about to retort, but on looking round, he saw that they
were really in a large sort of coach with very wide windows. 'I
thought I was in bed,' he muttered. 'What can I have been dreaming
of?'

"'What, indeed!' said the godfather. 'But, be quick, and sit close,
for you have all to get in; you are all brothers and sisters.'

"'Must families be together?' inquired Melchior, dolefully.

"'Yes, at first,' was the answer; 'they get separated in time. In
fact, everyone has to cease driving sooner or later. I drop them on
the road at different stages, according to my orders,' and he showed a
bundle of papers in his hands; 'but, as I favour you, I will tell you
in confidence that I have to drop all your brothers and sisters before
you. There, you four oldest sit on this side, you five others there,
and the little one must stand or be nursed.'

"'Ugh!' said Melchior, 'the coach would be well enough if one was
alone; but what a squeeze with all these brats! I say, go pretty
quick, will you?'

"'I will,' said Time, 'if you wish it. But, beware that you cann