ays to the table, on which
were the usual preparations for my morning's meal. Forthwith I gave a
cry, and sprang forward to embrace the person; for the person by the
fire, whose glance was directed to the table, was no one else than my
brother.

'And how are things going on at home?' said I to my brother, after we had
kissed and embraced. 'How is my mother, and how is the dog?'

'My mother, thank God, is tolerably well,' said my brother, 'but very
much given to fits of crying. As for the dog, he is not so well; but we
will talk more of these matters anon,' said my brother, again glancing at
the breakfast things: 'I am very hungry, as you may suppose, after having
travelled all night.'

Thereupon I exerted myself to the best of my ability to perform the
duties of hospitality, and I made my brother welcome--I may say more than
welcome; and, when the rage of my brother's hunger was somewhat abated,
we recommenced talking about the matters of our little family, and my
brother told me much about my mother; he spoke of her fits of crying, but
said that of late the said fits of crying had much diminished, and she
appeared to be taking comfort; and, if I am not much mistaken, my brother
told me that my mother had of late the Prayer-book frequently in her
hand, and yet oftener the Bible.

We were silent for a time--at last I opened my mouth and mentioned the
dog.

'The dog,' said my brother, 'is, I am afraid, in a very poor way; ever
since the death he has done nothing but pine and take on. A few months
ago, you remember, he was as plump and fine as any dog in the town; but
at present he is little more than skin and bone. Once we lost him for
two days, and never expected to see him again, imagining that some
mischance had befallen him; at length I found him--where do you think?
Chancing to pass by the churchyard, I found him seated on the grave!'

'Very strange,' said I; 'but let us talk of something else. It was very
kind of you to come and see me.'

'Oh, as for that matter, I did not come up to see you, though of course I
am very glad to see you, having been rather anxious about you, like my
mother, who has received only one letter from you since your departure.
No, I did not come up on purpose to see you; but on quite a different
account. You must know that the corporation of our town have lately
elected a new mayor, a person of many qualifications--big and portly,
with a voice like Boanerges; a religious man,