Age, infirmity, temporary distress, unmerited destitution, found him a steady, watchful, indefatigable friend.

In these labours, commenced with extraordinary promptitude, and the energy of a single purpose and stern mind, Maltravers was necessarily brought into contact with the neighbouring magistrates and gentry.

He was combating evils and advancing objects in which all were interested; and his vigorous sense, and his past parliamentary reputation, joined with the respect which in provinces always attaches to ancient birth, won unexpected and general favour to his views.

At the rectory they heard of him constantly, not only through occasional visitors, but through Mr.Merton, who was ever thrown in his way; but he continued to keep himself aloof from the house.

Every one (Mr.Merton excepted) missed him,--even Caroline, whose able though worldly mind could appreciate his conversation; the children mourned for their playmate, who was so much more affable than their own stiff-neckclothed brothers; and Evelyn was at least more serious and thoughtful than she had ever been before, and the talk of others seemed to her wearisome, trite, and dull.
* The object of parochial reform is not that of economy alone; not merely to reduce poor-rates.