ate
footman at Deepley Walls. Mr. Madgin replied by return of post as
under:--

"Deepley Walls, July 27th.

"SIR,--In reply to your favour of the 25th inst, inquiring
as to the character and respectability of James Jasmin, late a
footman in my employ, I beg to say that I can strongly recommend
him, and have much pleasure in so doing, for any similar
employment under you. Jasmin was with me for several years; during
the whole time I found him to be trustworthy, sober and intelligent
in an eminent degree. Had I not been reducing my establishment
previous to a lengthened residence in the south of Europe, I should
certainly have retained Jasmin in the position which he has
occupied for so long a time with credit to himself and with
satisfaction to me.

"I have the honour, sir, to remain,
"Your obedient servant,
"SOLOMON MADGIN.

"---- CLEON, Esq.,
"Bon Repos, Windermere."

After writing and despatching the above epistle, over the composition of
which he chuckled to himself several times, Mr. Madgin was obliged to
wait, with what contentment was possible to him, the receipt of a
communication from his son. But one day passed after another without
bringing news from Bon Repos, till Mr. Madgin grew fearful that some
disaster had befallen both James and his scheme. At length he made up
his mind to wait two days longer, and should no letter come within that
time, to start at once for Windermere. Fortunately his anxiety was
relieved and the journey rendered unnecessary by the receipt, next day,
of a long letter from his son. It was Mirpah who took it from the
postman's hand, and Mirpah took it to her father in high glee. She knew
the writing and deciphered the post-mark. For once in his life Mr.
Madgin was too agitated to read. He put his hand to his side, and
motioned Mirpah to open the letter.

"Read it," he said in a husky voice, as she was about to hand it to him.
So Mirpah sat down near her father and read what follows:--

"Bon Repos, July
"(some date, but I'll be hanged if I know what).

"MY DEAR DAD,--In some rustic nook reclining, silken
tresses softly twining, Far-off bells so faintly ringing, While we
list the blackbird singing, Merrily his roundelay. There! I
composed those lines this morning during the