Never had the family at the Glen been happier than when Frederic returned home, bearing his parchment roll, duly adorned with the riband, and the imposing seal; and, after some preamble, running thus: Notum esto, _quod nos, consentiendibus honorandis admodum ac reverendis collegii antedicti_ Inspectoribus, _anno Christi_ MDCCC--_admisimum_ Fredericus Kirkwood _ejusdem alumnum, ad gradum_ Baccalaurealem _in_ Artibus; &c. But when he joined the domestic circle, authorized to preach the everlasting gospel, their joy was of a deeper, holier character. Would I could show you a picture of the group, as they encircled the blazing hearth on that happy evening. I will even make the attempt. There sits the venerable grandfather, in his large arm-chair, his white hairs smoothly parted from off his ample forehead, with every feature speaking of passions subdued, and a heart full of gratitude, content and love. Next the mother, with something like the bloom of youth stealing over her matron cheek,--while her eye moves in a tear that rises from that deep fountain of mingled feeling, known only to a _pious mother's_ heart, as she looks on the son of her love, and that son a _believer!_ Between these two sits Frederic, comely in manly strength, his whole countenance expressing heart-felt benevolence to all mankind--and peculiar love, gratitude and veneration for those by whom he is encircled. Last, and the darling of all, is Clara, seated on her brother's knee, with one arm around his neck, while her other hand is sometimes clasped in his,--sometimes straying amid his dark luxuriant hair. She is not exactly beautiful, but she is lovely. Her stature is rather below than above the medium size; and fresh air and healthy exercise have given elasticity to her limbs, and a bloom to her cheek, that rivals the richness of the peach. If her features are not regular, they defy criticism; for her whole face has such a glow of love and happiness, that the delighted beholder cannot seek for defects. Thus they all sat, enjoying the full tide of domestic happiness; and each might have said to the other, with Galatee, "Tu me demandais ton bonheur, Et c'etait moi que tu rendais heureuse." Even the knowledge that Frederic was soon to leave them, to enter on the duties of his vocation, could scarcely moderate their joy.