And I can't tell you what good it did me to see your children playing again on the green, and your honest faces, in spite of the stocks, and those diabolical tracts you've been reading lately, lighted up at the thought that something pleasant was going on at the Hall.

Do you know, neighbours, you put me in mind of an old story which, besides applying to the parish, all who are married, and all who intend to marry, will do well to recollect.

A worthy couple, named John and Joan, had lived happily together many a long year, till one unlucky day they bought a new bolster.

Joan said the bolster was too hard, and John that it was too soft.

So, of course, they quarrelled.