ter, Catharine; and I am therefore come to learn whether it is done with your approbation."

The minister, whom Christian had apprized of his intentions, replied in the affirmative; and added, that he should be glad if the young man, whom he greatly esteemed, could make so good a match.

"I cannot say that I should have any thing against it," continued the Alderman, "if only-I do not know—some people say he is of mean extraction. Now your Excellency knows that my family-"

"Have you ever questioned him on the subject?" interrupted the minister. "O yes! He has told me that he is descended from an ancient patrician family; and, if he thought fit, might write his name De Ramsden."

"Has he told you so?"

66

Repeatedly," was the reply. The minister frowned. He did not, however, shew his displeasure, but endeavoured to persuade the city knight not to be so particular about the extraction, because he had resolved, if the marriage should take place, to solicit the king to give the young man some official situation. The alderman, who entertained high respect for government offices, was satisfied; upon which the mi

nister requested him to delay giving his consent till he should receive a hint from him. When this was settled, the worthy knight took his leave; and, without rejecting Christian's suit, desired time to consider of the proposal.

During the conversation, the minister had conceived the idea of putting his secretary to the trial; and, if he should not find him what he wished in a certain particular, resolved not only to prevent the marriage, but also to withdraw his favour from him entirely.

A month had elapsed, when, one morning, after business was over, he said to Christian, "You will dine with me to-day." Christian bowed, and hastened home to dress. At the appointed hour, he entered the room, and found about a dozen persons assembled, and, among them, to his great surprise, the alderman and his lovely daughter. One chair was left vacant. When soup was removed, a joint of roast beef, of uncommon size, was served up. The minister himself drew the attention of his guests to it; and a conversation arose on the fattening of cattle; in which the English in particular had made great improvements. The minister put the question as to what degree of perfection the Westphalian farmers had attained in this branch,

claimed: matters.

And the gentlemen differing in opinion, he ex"None of us rightly understand these I think we should do better to send for one of our first butchers, and let him decide." Saying this, he made a sign to the butler, who immediately left the room. The conversation was continued for some time, when, all at once, Mister Elias Ramshead entered the room. son was sitting with his back to the door, and did not observe him; but when the minister addressed the butcher, and the latter spoke, Christian recognised his father's voice, rose hastily, ran up to him, and threw himself into his arms. "Thank God!" exclaimed the minister. "I knew it very

His

well!" cried Mister Ramshead. All the company seemed astonished: and when their noble host had for some moments enjoyed the mutual emotion, and the surprise of the guests, he thus addressed them: "I must request your permission, gentlemen, to introduce to you Mister Ramshead, formerly a senator of the imperial city of Gelnhausen. There is just one place vacant; pray sit down, Mister Ramshead, next to your son, and make no ceremony."

"Since your Excellency commands," said the worthy old man, putting his gold-headed cane, with his cocked hat upon it, into the corner; and

H

he took the chair by his son; who, with a countenance in which were expressed a mingled feeling of pleasure, gratitude, and surprise, fixed his eyes upon the minister. The latter explained the mystery to his guests, whom he had purposely selected: he spoke in the highest terms of his secretary, and declared that he had found in him only one fault, which he was convinced he had now entirely laid aside. “I was resolved to judge with my own eyes, whether it was only a foolish habit, or a defect of the heart. He has stood the trial. If the sudden appearance of his father had embarrassed him; if he had shewn any kind of shame, or hesitation, he would have lost my esteem for ever. But he has behaved as he ought, and as I hoped he would. And now Mister Alderman," continued he, "I hope you will not refuse him the hand of your amiable daughter. Mister Ramshead is a very worthy man, and one whom I with pleasure see at my table. I invited him to dinner to-day. He has come this long journey at my request; let us now celebrate the betrothment of his son."

Saying this, he filled a bumper; and the company followed his example. A servant brought in a covered waiter, on which was the appointment of Christian to a high official situation.

The alderman yielded to this argument, rather than to the persuasion of the minister, and presented the hand of his fair daughter, Catharine, to the happy Christian, who was going to throw himself at the minister's feet. But he prevented him, saying, in a whisper, "No more boasting! Your wife would only laugh at it!"

THE UNIVERSAL GENIUS.

MANY years ago, there lived, on the coasts of the Baltic, a despotic prince, before whom his subjects trembled, and whom even his own children could not approach without fear. Among the counsellors of this prince was Baron Fels, a man of integrity and talent, who had inherited from his father only a small and encumbered property.

He had, however, acquired a fortune, upon which no creditor could seize,―knowledge, and abilities. By these he greatly distinguished himself in the cabinet; and, in a short time, rendered his services indispensable in the diplomatic department. He had spent many years of his life at foreign courts, as the ambassador of his