Masonic Reminiscences.

the operation , would have been as Eamo Samee balanced the donkey , on his nose . Early next morning , Mr . Johnson was on his way to the owner of Madame Vestris , paid the stipulated price with the produce of Phil's bill , and in the course of the next day , had her conveyed to Simpson Hall , with a polite note , requesting Phil ' s acceptance of her as a small token of

Ms affectionate regard , & c , & c . The old people were delighted , and amazed at the valuable gift , and took it as an unerring proof of the great wealth of the Johnsons . Phil himself was almost insane with joy ; he rushed to Elysium , folded father and daughter alternately in Ms brawny arms , and even ventured to imprint a kiss on the lips of the more than half-willing Lavinia , believing that to

her he was indebted for the much desired treasure . The Colonel ' s cautions were now looked upon as prejudices . Phil , in his frantic joy , was ready to marry , or do any other dreadful act ; the kind , and good Liyy ' s disinterested generosity had overpowered him , and had overcome any little doubt or objection that lingered in Mr . Simpson ' s mind from the hints of his brother .

" The auld folk soon gied then consent . " The necessary settlements were prepared by Mi . Johnson ' s solicitor , the marriage ceremony was quietly performed in the little parish church , and before the Colonel ' s fit of gout had fully ripened to its climax , Mr . and Mrs . Phil Simpson , and suite , ivere enjoying the beautiful scenery at a chateauclose by the lovely lake of Geneva .

, Mr . Johnson contrived to make himself trustee to the settlement on his daughter , and obtained a general power of attorney to act as agent , ousting a gentleman of long , and well-tried integrity , who had acted in that capacity for years , to the satisfaction of all parties . Old Simpson was a rigid economist , or what is commonly called a miser , ancl gladly consented ! to transfer the agency to Ms new kinsman , Avho most generously

consented to discharge all the duties , without fee or reward . Some persons are too clever ; Mr . Johnson turned out to be one of those who occasionally overshoot the mark ; a long term of successful rascality often tends to make men forget the caution , ancl prudence , by winch they have so long succeeded , and tempts tbem to acts of such recklessness that they become entangled in their own snares .

He attempted too much , and suddenly became so bold and unscrupulous iu his new stewardship , as to alarm Mr . Simpson , and disgust the tenantry . The fee simple of Elysium was to be purchased , as a graceful addition to the Simpson estates ; new wings to both mansions were projected , and operations on a grand scale commenced to carry them out ; the old servants were displaced by new ones , to the great annoyance of Mr . and

Mrs . Simpson , who began to feel their situation most uncomfortable . On the return of Phil , and his wife , from their honeymoon tour , balls , routs , and fetes , followed in quick succession ; the old friends of the Simpsons met with such cold receptions from the bride , that they dropped off one by one , until none were to be seen at the banquets but bearded red-