me to a
shallow part, and, wading over to the opposite side, I adjusted
my dress, and commenced fishing in another pool, beside which
was a small clump of hazels.

And there I sat upon the bank, at the bottom of the hill which
slopes down from 'the Earl's Home'; my float was on the waters,
and my back was towards the old hall. I drew up many fish,
small and great, which I took from off the hook mechanically,
and flung upon the bank, for I was almost unconscious of what I
was about, for my mind was not with my fish. I was thinking of
my earlier years--of the Scottish crags and the heaths of
Ireland--and sometimes my mind would dwell on my studies--on
the sonorous stanzas of Dante, rising and falling like the
waves of the sea--or would strive to remember a couplet or two
of poor Monsieur Boileau.

'Canst thou answer to thy conscience for pulling all those fish
out of the water and leaving them to gasp in the sun?' said a
voice, clear and sonorous as a bell.

I started, and looked round. Close behind me stood the tall
figure of a man, dressed in raiment of quaint and singular
fashion, but of goodly materials. He was in the prime and
vigour of manhood; his features handsome and noble, but full of
calmness and benevolence; at least I thought so, though they
were somewhat shaded by a hat of finest beaver, with broad
drooping eaves.

'Surely that is a very cruel diversion in which thou indulgest,
my young friend?' he continued.

'I am sorry for it, if it be, sir,' said I, rising; 'but I do
not think it cruel to fish.'

'What are thy reasons for thinking so?'

'Fishing is mentioned frequently in Scripture. Simon Peter was
a fisherman.'

'True; and Andrew his brother. But thou forgettest; they did
not follow fishing as a diversion, as I fear thou doest.--Thou
readest the Scriptures?'

'Sometimes.'

'Sometimes?--not daily?--that is to be regretted. What
profession dost thou make?--I mean to what religious
denomination dost thou belong, my young friend?'

'Church.'

'It is a very good profession--there is much of Scripture
contained in its liturgy. Dost thou read aught beside the
Scriptures?'

'Sometimes.'

'What dost thou read besides?'

'Greek, and Dante.'

'Indeed! then thou ha