Lady Harriet was particularly earnest in entreating Frank to write frequently home; observing, that she considered it a religious duty in all children, to shew their parents this attention, as the Bible says that "a wise son maketh a glad father," and that "the father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice;" but on the contrary, too many young persons leave their parents to mourn in suspense and anxiety, as to the health and happiness of those whom they love more than they can ever love any one else. "Tell us of every thing that interests you, and even all about the spouting whales, flying fish, and dying dolphins, which you will of course see," said Laura. "Be sure to write us also, how many albatrosses you shoot, and whether you are duly introduced to Neptune at the Cape." "Yes, Laura! but Bishop Heber's Journal, or any other book describing a voyage to the Cape, mentions exactly the same thing. It will quite bring me home again when I speak to you all on paper; and I shall be able to fancy what everybody will say when my letter is read. Mrs. Darwin sent for me this morning on particular business; and it was to say that she wished me, in all the strange countries where the Thunderbolt touched, to employ my spare moments in chasing butterflies, that as many as possible might be added to her museum." "Capital! How like Mrs. Darwin!" exclaimed Major Graham, laughing. "You will of course be running all over Africa, hat in hand, pursuing painted butterflies, till you get a _coup de soleil_, like my friend Watson, who was killed by one. Poor fellow! I was with him then, and it was a frightful scene. He wheeled round several times, in a sort of convulsion, till he dropped down dead in my arms." "I shall gild the legs and bills of some ducks before leaving home, and send them to her as a present from Sierra Leone," said Peter. "The wings might be died scarlet, which would look quite foreign; and if an elephant falls in my way, it shall be stuffed and forwarded by express." "Uncle David! Do you remember what fun we had, when you sent Mrs. Darwin that stuffed bear in a present! I was desired to announce that a foreigner of distinction had arrived to stay at her house. What a bustle she was in on hearing that he brought letters of introduction from you, and intended to remain some time. Then we told her that he could not speak a word of English, and brought 'a Pole' with him; besides which he had once been a great dancer. Oh! how amusing it was, when she at last ventured into the passage to be introduced, and saw her fine stuffed bear." "Whatever people collect," said Peter, "every good-natured person assists. I mean to begin a collection of crooked sixpences immediately; therefore, pray never spend another, but give me as many as you can spare; and the more crooked the better."