And well might this trunk make Mr. Hardingham melancholy, for it was the receptacle of letters and little gifts of a lady who had jilted him in early life; and upon whom he had often vowed vengeance. She was yet unmarried; but--no--her once devoted admirer was resolved to follow the lady's advice, and place his "affections upon a worthier object than Caroline Dalton;" and, thought he to himself, she shall at last see that I have _found one_; nor shall wild Tom, my graceless nephew, who lives upon my fortune, ever more touch one penny of it. The postman rapped, and in a few minutes his housekeeper appeared with many apologies for bringing to him her own newspaper, but perhaps in it he might be able to find the names of some of the new novels that he wished to have. "Martha Honeydew," cried Hardingham with a smile, the first he had sported that week, "I am, as you know, a man of but few words, and straight-forward in my dealings; say that you can fancy me, and I'll marry you tomorrow." Mrs. Honeydew's reply will be surmised; Caroline Dalton saw who was preferred before her, and the bachelor's revenge ruined wild Tom; for Hardingham settled all his property upon his wife, and a pretty life the amiable creature led him. M.L.B. * * * * * RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. * * * * * LETTER OF LORD STRAFFORD. _(For the Mirror.)_ The following is literally copied from an original autograph of the unfortunate Lord Strafford, and may prove interesting to your numerous readers. C.J.T. "_Sweete Harte_.--It is _longe_ since I _writt_ unto you, for I am here in such a _troubel_ as gives _mee_ little or _noe respett_. The _chardge_ is now _cum in_, and I am now _abel_ I _prayse_ God, to _telle_ you that I _conceaue_ there is nothing _capitall_, and for the _reste_ I _knowe_ at the _worste_ his _maty_ will _pardonne_ all without hurting my fortune, and then _wee_ shall be _happie_ by God's grace. Therefore _comfortt_ yourself, for I trust these _cloudes_ will away and _thate wee_ shall have _faire weathere afterwarde_. "Fare well, your _lovinge husbande_, "Tower of _Londonne_, "STRAFFORDE. "4th Feb. 1640. "My Wife." * * * * * STONE PILLARS AND CROSSES. _(For the Mirror.)_