moonshine in that mellow clime, beneath the Southern Cross and the spangled firmament of stars unknown to us.” His own eyes sparkled like hot coals at this Bohemian picture. Then he sighed and returned to civilization. “But,” said he, “be ready with eighty thousand pounds for him, that he may enjoy his own way and join you in barring the entail. I forgot, I must say no more on that subject; I see it is as offensive--as it is inevitable. Cassandra has spoken wisely, and, I see, in vain. God bless you both--good-night.” And he rolled out of the room with a certain clumsy importance. Sir Charles treated all this advice with a polite forbearance while he was in the room, but on his departure delivered a sage reflection. “Strange,” said he, “that a man so valuable in any great emergency should be so extravagant and eccentric in the ordinary affairs of life. I might as well drive to Bellevue House and consult the first gentleman I met there.” Lady Bassett did not reply immediately, and Sir Charles observed that her face was very red and her hands trembled. “Why, Bella,” said he, “has all that rhodomontade upset you?” Lady Bassett looked frightened at his noticing her agitation, and said that Mr. Rolfe always overpowered her. “He is so large, and so confident, and throws such new light on things.” “New light! Wild eccentricity always does that; but it is the light of Jack-o'-lantern. On a great question, so near my heart as this, give me the steady light of common sense, not the wayward coruscations of a fiery imagination. Bella dear, I shall send the boy to a good school, and so cut off at one blow all the low associations that have caused the mischief.” “You know what is best, dear,” said Lady Bassett; “you are wiser than any of us.” In the morning she got hold of Mr. Rolfe, and asked him if he could put her in the way of getting more than three per cent for her money _without risk._ “Only one,” said.Rolfe. “London freeholds in rising situations let to substantial tenants. I can get you five per cent that way, if you are always ready to buy. The thing does not offer every day.” “I have twenty thousand pounds to dispose of so,” said Lady Bassett. “Very well,” said Rolfe. “I'll look out for you, but Oldfield must examine titles and do the actual business. The best of that investment is, it is always improving; no ups and downs. Come,” thought he, “Cassandra has not spoken quite in vain.” Sir Charles acted on his judgment, and in due course sent Mr. Bassett to a school at some distance, kept by a clergyman, who had the credit in that county of exercising sharp supervision and strict discipline. Sir Charles made no secret of the boy's eccentricities. Mr. Beecher said he had one or two steady boys who assisted him in such cases. Sir Charles thought that a very good idea; it was like putting a wild colt into the break with a steady horse.