that his master had retired to his study; and when there engaged, no one could gain admittance, as he always gave the strictest orders never to be intruded upon at those times. I discovered that these were intervals consecrated to religious meditation. I turned to go, but the servant stopped me by saying, that his master having expected my visit had ordered him to conduct me to the shrubbery, where in a short time he would attend me. I therefore passed with him into the pleasure-grounds: though much limited in space, they displayed exquisite taste, and commanded one of the most picturesque scenes that fancy can describe. Enchanted with the beauties around me, I had just seated myself on a rustic bench, when I received a summons to attend your friend.
"Never have I beheld a more venerable object. A very aged man, with locks of silver, clad in the deepest mourning; a tall emaciated form, bending with infirmity, but more, as was visible to the eye, from recent affliction. His countenance was marked by an expression language is inadequate to paint; it exhibited the most striking contrast to a frame, which seemed dissolving into air,—a frame, that would soon leave unshackled an immortal soul,—a soul that seemed soaring to its Maker, and its association with kindred spirits in heaven. His
