None of the party were disappointed when they had established themselves at the Grange. Mr. Allison found full occupation at first in improving the house, and afterwards in his fields and garden. Mr. Bacon was just such a clergyman as he would have chosen for his parish priest if it had been in his power to chuse, only he would have had him provided with a better benefice. The single thing on which there was a want of agreement between them, was, that the Vicar neither smoked nor took snuff; he was not the worse company on this account, for he had no dislike to the fragrance of a pipe; but his neighbour lost the pleasure which he would have had in supplying him with the best pig-tail, and with Strasburg or Rappee. Miss Allison fell into the habits of her new station the more easily, because they were those which she had witnessed in her early youth; she distilled waters, dried herbs, and prepared conserves,—which were at the service of all who needed them in sickness. Betsey attached herself at first sight to Deborah, who was about five years elder, and soon became to her as a sister. The Aunt rejoiced in finding so suitable a friend and companion for her niece; and as this connection was a pleasure and an advantage to the Allisons, so was it of the greatest benefit to Deborah. What of her ensues I list not prophecy, but let Time's news Be known, when 'tis brought forth. Of this allow If ever you have spent time worse ere now; If never yet, the Author then doth say He wishes earnestly you never may.[1] [Footnote 1: SHAKSPEARE.] INTERCHAPTER XI. ADVICE TO CERTAIN READERS INTENDED TO ASSIST THEIR DIGESTION OF THESE VOLUMES. Take this in good part, whatsoever thou be, And wish me no worse than I wish unto thee. TUSSER. The wisest of men hath told us that there is a time for every thing. I have been considering what time is fittest for studying this elaborate _opus_, so as best to profit by its recondite stores of instruction, as the great chronicler of Garagantua says, _avec espoir certain d'acquerrir moult prudence et preud 'hommie à la ditte lecture, la quelle vous relevera de tres-hauts sacrements et mysteres horrifiques._ The judicious reader must ere this have perceived that this work, to use the happy expression of the Demoiselle de Gournay, is, _edifié de telle sort que les mots et la matière sont consubstantiels._ In one sense indeed it is, Meet for all hours and every mood of man;[1] but all hours are not equally meet for it. For it is not like Sir Walter Scott's novels, fit for men, women and children, at morning, noon, or night, summer and winter, and every day, among all sorts of people,—Sundays excepted with the religious public. Equally sweet in the mouth it may be to some; but it will not be found equally light of digestion. [Footnote 1: DR. BUTT.]