Year: 1861

anu oSOuiSu IL, licItDl Cdu>llS lnG laL one lO
pull up short, stare at me with two black cur
rants stuck in q dreary expanse of dough, in
sert dumpy thumb in an orfce of the same
expanse and trot back again with that stolid
resignation under disappointment which is the
peculiar attribute of the London infant popu-
lation.


Having ascertained the nature of my prize,
[ proceeded to mediate on the proper course
to be taken, which meditation resulted in the
following advertisement:


Found, this evening, Wednesday, in the
Regents Park, nearly opposite the New Col
lege, valuable diamond ring. The owner
may recover it by calling at No. 10, Wilton
Place, &C."


Before noon on the following day 1 was ma
king my most courteous bow to venerable
looking old gentleman whose white hairs and
benevolent smile added a double charm to the
grace with which he stepped forward, and
waving ceremony, extended his hand, saying !:


You have taken a weight from my mind
my good friend, and must allow me to thank
you"


The insinuating delicacy of the adjective l
am not more than forty-fvel was, perhaps, not
without its effect | accepted the offered
pledge of amity in respectful silence


"a young man" continued the patriarch,
may possibly find it difficult to understand
how the loss of trinket can be source of
positive suffering to an old one, butt am al
luding to my lost ring-there are associations
connected with it which-ahem This is
childish. you will excuse my emotion"


1 bowed profoundly in the presence of this
natural agitation.


81 have passed some hours in sleeplesness
and distress, from which you have been the
means of relieving mel feel deeply indebted
to you. There remains nothing now but to
reimburse you for-a-


Here the old gentleman drew forth his purse
and proceeded to unclasp it.


Excuse me, SIR stammered, rather hur-
riedly but, if the ring is yours, you can doubt
less describe the armorial bearings? ?"


"Armorial bearings, sir 1t was diamond
ring"


Certainly"


"a plain diamond ring !" replied the old
gentleman, sternly. do not attempt to play
tricks with me, young man. l will point out
to you directly"


81 beg your pardon said I, drawing back
from the outstetched hand " but, as the ring
in my possession is assuredly engraved with a
crest and motto, | conclude it cannot be the
one you are in search Of"


The old gentleman eyed me for a moment
keenly.


am afraid you are right" he sighed, in
tone of deep detection; l must seek further
Alas what melancholy termination to my
hopeful Journey"


Speed the parting, welcome the coming
guest" is very good motto l made no at
tempt to detain my venerable friend but, as
he turned towards the door, am certain |
saw beneath the silver hairs a lock of dark and
shining brown.


My next visitor was a lady extensively got
up, of imposing height and carriage, rouged,
scented spectacled.


We meet under singular circumstances,
began this lady, with condescending haughti-
ness. al am the principal of college for
young ladies'"


With deferential acknowledgment of the
honor done me, begged to know what had
procured it.


In the hours of recreation we are accus-
toned to promenade in the park-a delightful
spot, so suggestive of the blushing country :
during our ramble of yesterday, a young lady
under my charge was unfortunate enough to
lose her ring. You, sir, are the fortunate
finder"


81 certaily did, madam, pick up a ring,
but"


"Ah! how grateful my dear pupil will be
at beholding it again exclaimed the teacher
of youth, clasping her hands ecstatically


May trouble you to describe the ring ?"


Describe it. A diamond ring, sir-hand
some and massive, but plain"


And the crest ?"


"The crest ALI that my young charge
were with me. Stupid to have forgotten
The crest of the Doleranes Is it lion pas
SAINT or? No; am wrong Unfortunate
that she should be too unwelI 10 accompany
me- But it is immaterial l will take it for
inspection-she will be able to recognize it at
once"


fear, madam, that l should scarcely be
justifed-'


"Sir.iw


81 feel it my duty 1 said, firmly, &c under
the circumstances, to take every precaution
against mistakes. trust the young lady is
not too seriously indisposed to give you the
necessary description"


Very WELL sir. Exceedingly well 1t is
who have been mistaken. l fancied-yes !;
actually fancied-that | was speaking to a
gentleman. You will find, sir, to your cost,
that the lady principal of college is not to
be insulted with impunity. l wish you a
good morning"


Very narrowing this. | am scarcely recov-
cred from the lady principal when there is