d a
little,--"There is wine in it!" said he.

"A very little--just enough to give it a flavour; it cannot make any
difference. Do you like it, my dear?" as the spoon scooped out another
transparent rock. "Ay, that is right! I had the receipt from my old Aunt
Kitty, and nobody ever could make it like Judith."

"I am in for it now," thought Fred. "Well, 'tis excellent," said he;
"capital stuff! I feel it all down to my fingers' ends," added he with a
smile, as he returned the glass, after fishing in vain for the particles
remaining in the small end.

"That is right; I am so glad to see you enjoy it!" said grandmamma,
hurrying off with the empty glass with speed at which Fred smiled, as it
implied some fears of meeting Aunt Geoffrey. He knew the nature of
his own case sufficiently to be aware that he had acted very
imprudently,--that is to say, his better sense was aware--but his spirit
of self-will made him consider all these precautions as nonsense, and
was greatly confirmed by his feeling himself much more fresh and lively.
Grandmamma returned to announce Alexander and Willy, who soon followed
her, and after shaking hands, stood silent, much shocked at the
alteration in Fred's appearance.

This impression, however, soon passed off, as Fred began to talk over
school affairs in a very animated manner; sending messages to his
friends, discussing the interests of the coming half-year, the games,
the studies, the employments; Alex lamenting Fred's absence, engaging
to write, undertaking numerous commissions, and even prognosticating his
speedy recovery, and attainment of that cynosure,--the prize. Never had
the two cousins met so cordially, or so enjoyed their meeting. There was
no competition; each could afford to do the other justice, and both
felt great satisfaction in doing so; and so high and even so loud
became their glee, that Alex could scarcely believe that Fred was not
in perfect health. At last Aunt Geoffrey came to put an end to it;
and finding Fred so much excited, she made Alex bring his blunt honest
farewells and good wishes to a speedy conclusion, desired Fred to lie
quiet and rest, and sat down herself to see that he did so.

Fred could not easily be brought to repose; he went on talking fast and
eagerly in praise of Alex, and in spite of her complete assent, he went
on more and more vehemently, just as if he was defending Alex from some
one who wanted to detract from his merits. She tried reading to hi