some places over others, and we shall find that England on this point, stands unequalled. The annual deaths on the average throughout England and Wales .... are nearly France London Paris Berlin Madrid Naples Rome 1 in 60 1 40 Amsterdam 1 By this statement it will be seen, that England is the healthiest place (by many degrees) of any in the list, and that London not only bears away the palm from all the principal cities in Europe, but even from the open country of France, which is generally reckoned the most beautiful and healthy in the world. There is another injurious prejudice entertained by Englishmen with respect to themselves, viz. that they are more disposed to suicide than any other nation, and this more particularly in the month of November. Now both these are very common notions, and yet (we had almost said, "and therefore") they are both erroneous. There are statistical tables published, by which it will appear, that so far from being the most suicidal country in the world-there are few so free from this melancholy crime. It will be found, that in London, the annual average number of suicides (of late years) has been 10 in every 100,000 inhabitants; whereas at Paris, the annual average has been 49-in Berlin, 34-and at Copenhagen, 100! in the same number of inhabitants, and, for the thirteen years, the suicides of November, have been invariably exceeded by those of June! The above are a few national prejudices, of which many like them, might be shewn to be equally unsupported by facts. Were we to attempt to account for them, we should extend our paper beyond reasonable limits, but it would seem that these opinions were originally hastily formed from a few isolated occurrences, instead of consulting more extensive details, and drawing conclusions from the average. Most of these prejudices will be found to exist only in common narrow minds, from which, after they have once obtained possession, no reasoning, however plain, can expel them; and this may account for their remaining the general opinions of the vulgar, even when more extensive and accurate knowledge of the facts, has dispersed them. "Bone colligitur hæc pueris et mulierculis et servis et servorum simillimis liberis esse grata: gravi vero homini et ea quæ fiunt judicio certo ponderanti, probari posse nullo modo."-TULL. MEMORY. MEMORY'S the magic mirror of the mind, DE MORVILLE; OR THE MANOR HOUSE OF WOODSLEIGH. A Tale of the Last Century. "Young Juan now was sixteen years of age, "SOME eighty years ago, perhaps more, the little village, the scene of the following narrative, was but very thinly inhabited-the Manor House and the Parsonage were the only residences of any importance in the neighbourhood. The Manor House which stood on a hill to the right of the single street of Woodsleigh, and of which a good view might be obtained from the turnpike road, was a large, handsome, old-fashioned building; like most of the houses of the period it consisted of a centre and two wings, and it abounded in a profusion of red brick ornaments, relieved and occasionally lightened by the introduction of rudely carved figures of white freestone-a relict of days gone by; and we cannot look upon such a building, but it brings forcibly to our recollection the bustling times of our ancestors. It had been many years in the possession of the family of De Morville, who were descended from an ancient Norman house, and almost from the first time the estates were purchased by them there had not been any dispute as to the heirship, but they had been held in the direct line successively. The present baron, when young, married a lady of high birth and possessed of every accomplishment, but of a delicate constitution, She had presented him with one daughter, and in consequence of the great exertions which she made in rearing her child, ere Marian (for so was the infant called) had reached her fifth year, De Morville was a widower. The loss of his affectionate partner was a heavy blow to him, and he for some years left the country, taking with him his lovely little daughter. A short time previously to the commencement of my story he had returned, bringing her with him— "In flower of youth and beauty's pride;" but you will hear more of her presently. Of the vicar we have not to say much he was one of those few men who live, not for themselves, but for mankind. To say that he did not enjoy life were idle-he did enjoy it, and that too in the strongest sense of the word, in promoting the happiness of others. He was a constant guest at the Manor House, and to him was entrusted the finishing of Marian's education. Every little village has its own snug little public-house, whither the labouring part of the community stroll after their daily toil, and amuse themselves, in the summer, either with a game of bowls, skittles, quoits, or other rustic sports; or, in the winter, with a comfortable pipe, round the cheerfully-blazing wood fire, listening to the news, if perchance any there be, or, if not, to some story related by one of the party. Woodsleigh, of course, had such a public-house: it was situated in a corner of the common, and was a most romantic place. From the sign which swung between two trees facing the door, it was called "The Crows," and it informed the traveller also that Stephen Tunbell was the owner thereof. The next house to it in size and importance was that of the blacksmith, Frog, as they used to call him-Ben Frog, (though that was not his right name); he was a kind soul and welcome everywhere so you may naturally suppose he was not unlooked for at the Crows. One evening he had taken his seat there, the jovial ale had gone well round-stories had been told, and all were comfortable, when Peggy entered (she is now married and an old woman, but in her younger days she was well worthy of the name of the flower of Woodsleigh, which she was usually called). “Please you, Master Frog," said she, "there is a youth in the kitchen wishes to know if you will admit him to your good company." (I had forgot to mention that there was a club held at the Crows, of which Ben was a sort of chairman). “A stranger, Peggy," burst almost from every mouth-" a stranger, why, what sort of a youth ?"-in fact, for some time, the answer of Benny could scarcely be heard: "Tell him, we shall be glad to see him," said the chairman, for he was naturally a polite old man, "tell him to come up. And Tun," said he, turning to the host, "fill the glasses, and we will give him a reception, worthy of ourselves." Whilst this order was being fulfilled, a chair was placed by the fire close to Ben's, who even rose from his seat, a great honour, truly; but then, a stranger in Woodsleigh was such a rarity that the curiosity of every one was awakened. As soon as Peggy had delivered the message, the young fellow she had mentioned, was introduced by her; he was, indeed, a noble looking lad, though so young that no beard had yet appeared on his chin. He had already reached the height of six feet, and was stout in proportion; his countenance was open and manly; eyes large and prominent, from which occasionally bright flashes shone, almost as fire. His dress was a plain suit of green, cut quite close to his figure, which set off the symmetry of his form to the best advantage. Advancing to the top of the room, he seized the extended hand of the chairman, and gave it a hearty shake. I don't know how, but it appeared to me, as if in that single meeting and token of friendship, a lasting union would be formed between these two. The veteran smith, as he stood by his large chair of temporary office, his gray hair hanging on his shoulders, and his little brown twinkling eyes seemed to contemplate with pleasure the noble figure of the stalwarth youth, who held his yet strong and sinewy hand in his firm grasp; he seemed to feel and consider all the ills and misfortunes he would have to endure; how many times the lustre of that bright eye would be dimmed by the desertion of false friends and the other evils attendant upon this transitory state of existence-he did feel this. Old Ben was childless: who knows, but the enviable pleasure found by a fond and doting father on surveying the son of his affections, swelled as it were, into all the pride of manhood; who shall dare say these feelings did not break in upon his old heart in all their force-his after conduct will prove that they did. But to return: the youth was speedily seated, and contributed not a little to the jollity of the evening, both by his songs and the hearty laughs he bestowed upon the jokes and tales of the rest of the small company; he appeared to have the knack of making himself on easy terms with everybody. And so much did he gain upon the good opinion of all present, that a hearty wish and invitation was given for his presence as long as he stayed in the village. But time will pass away; and after the pleasant night was far advanced, all had retired, and the young man, whom we shall call Walter, was conducted by the pretty Peggy to the chamber allotted to him. I know not why, but after the departure of the merry group, all appearance of joy had vanished from his countenance; that jocund humour, which had been the delight and satisfaction of all who heard him, seemed entirely to have fled, and an air of settled gloom and despondency to have taken possession of the place they had so lately held; to such an extent was this, that he followed the steps of the lovely girl (I had almost said chambermaid) in perfect silence; nay, even to her twice repeated good night he made no reply, and she left the room as much offended by his sullenness as she had been previously pleased with his good looks. As she stept into her uncle's room, just to see that all was ready for the old fellow, her train of thought naturally led her to the looking-glass, where she stood for a moment and gazed on the reflection of her lovely face. "Now, really," said she, "I cannot see any thing so much amiss in myself either, that I should frighten away all his good humour. With old Frog and the others in the front room he was quite kind and cheerful, but he no sooner looses them and is left alone with me, than he sulks, and seems as if some great affair occupies his attention. Yes, forsooth," she continued, as she placed the light on the table, in order to adjust a stray lock of bright auburn hair that had escaped from its confinement, "but I'll make him suffer for it yet. Instead of paying me some pretty compliment, or even stealing a k―. Oh! dear, now, for shame; how you frightened me, you good-for-nothing fellow"-for her soliloquy had been suddenly interrupted by the very person she had been thinking of, and who, of course, made up for his late remissness on her rosy lips.-" Forgive me, this once, Peggy, but I was so busy with scenes far away, that I forgot where I was; but, tell me, can I see you before your uncle rises in the morning; and before I go to the Manor House I want to question you particularly will you see me then, by yourself." Why, I don't know," she archly answered, “perhaps it is not right to be seen alone talking to a young fellow like you; but if you'll promise on your word that you mean me no harm, I will see you. There, you need not swear," said she, interrupting him, “but be quick, to your room, for I hear steps on the stairs. There, now, go-do. The morning after his arrival broke forth in all the rich cheerfulness of an English summer; and as he had promised to breakfast with old Ben, he was, of course "Stirring with the lark;" and when he had received directions as to where he should find the dwelling of his new acquaintance, he started on his journey-don't imagine, by his journey, that I mean any great distance, no-to reach the forge: from the Crows about three quarters of a mile on the highway had to be passed, and then, on turning an angle of the road (or rather lane, for the said highway was nothing but a wide lane, indented with two wheel-ruts of some inches in depth, from the constant passing of the heavy laden waggons in the plenteous time of harvest), the forge came in view. The appearance of the glorious orb of day as he rose, majestically darting his fierce and brilliant rays through the thin hazy mist which rises from the dew-clad surface of the earth, and which is diffused in bright and shining vapours by his mighty power; the cheerful notes of all the feathered tribe, as they carrolled forth their grateful thanks and praises for his fostering beams; the rustling of the innumerable green leaves, as the fresh breeze of the morning sighed almost musically through the numberless branches on which they glittered, all tended to enliven and cheer the spirits, especially of one in whose veins the blood of hopeful youth flowed so vigorously, as those of the young stranger; and as he felt the whole joy of nature thus in unison with him, he burst forth in a beautiful strain suited to the occasion. His voice, which was naturally powerful, fine, and commanding, had received the best cultivation, and he sung with taste and feeling, far from common in the days in which he lived. He had scarcely finished his lay, when he found himself at the door of the smithy. A description of a village forge would not interest any one, 'tis an object so well known to all, both from the pen of the author and the pencil of the artist; yet some small space may be occupied in describing this situation. On the right, as you enter the single street, nearly all shrouded in trees, save the narrow path that led to the door of the outer shed, there were arranged,, even at the early hour of his arrival, four goodly horses, waiting for the attendance of the smiths, the sound of whose hammers rang merrily from the interior part of the building. Stepping over the two stones which answered as stairs, by which you ascended to that place where the most important part of their vocation was pursued, he paused, and directed his eyes to the upper end, where the master himself was too busily engaged to notice his first appearance. We will take the liberty of being there before him, and seeing upon what the aged practitioner was employed; he had taken his situation early this morning: his sinewy arms bared to the shoulder, his long slender figure, braced up as if nought but bone and muscle held a place there; his own hammer larger and heavier by far than any of those used by his younger journeymen, he had taken to form some shoes expressly for the hunter of Marian L'Haville; she was his favourite, and none but himself ever attended to her cattle; he was finishing one of these when Walter entered: the perspiration stood in drops on his wrinkled brow, his hammer, which, required an exertion even on his part to get it into play, swung rapidly round his head, descending ever and anon on the heated mettle with such force that it was soon formed into the required shape, though to give it the finish that he did, occupied some time; still the blows were given with unabated vigour. His job finished, he raised his eyes, and caught the youth gazing on him intently; laying aside his implements, and giving some directions to his men, he walked up to him with open hand. "Welcome, my lad, welcome! why, we have kept Deborah waiting this half-hour. But, come, this way, follow me through here; rather dark, I dare say, to you: but keep by the wall to the right. There, now," said he, "there you are." After they had passed by a small door from the smithy through a narrow passage which led into a nice neat sitting room, where they found a good substantial breakfast awaiting their arrival; 'twas, indeed, a breakfast-a méal, such as we read of among the ancients: "No hissing cup of chocolate, to tempt the palate of a sated epicure,” but ham, bacon, cold steak pie, rabbit pudding, sweet home-made bread, washed down with a tankard or two of foaming ale. True, Mrs. Deborah took her tea at a little table by herself; but this beverage, besides being too great a luxury, was reckoned fit only for old women and children. "And now, my lad," said the old smith, after they had been seated and made some havoc in the provender set before them, now, my lad, I am a plain simple fellow, and so will ask a plain homely question; what is your business in Woodsleigh? You will perhaps say, keep VOL. I. G |