Now, then, for a surprise-party! A bag of flour, a barrel of potatoes, some strings of onions, a basket of apples, a big cake and many little cakes, a jug of lemonade, a purse stuffed with bills of the more modest denominations, may, perhaps, do well enough for the properties in one of these private theatrical exhibitions.

The minister of the parish, a tender-hearted, quiet, hard-working man, living on a small salary, with many children, sometimes pinched to feed and clothe them, praying fervently every day to be blest in his "basket and store," but sometimes fearing he asks amiss, to judge by the small returns, has the first role,--not, however, by his own choice, but forced upon him.

The minister's wife, a sharp-eyed, unsentimental body, is first lady; the remaining parts by the rest of the family.

If they only had a playbill, it would run thus: ON TUESDAY NEXT WILL BE PRESENTED THE AFFECTING SCENE CALLED THE SURPRISE-PARTY OR THE OVERCOME FAMILY; WITH THE FOLLOWING STRONG CAST OF CHARACTERS.
The Rev.

Mr.Overcome, by the Clergyman of this Parish.
Mrs.