tor; "but I am sorry to see the invalid portrayed in your looks. You must needs require rest after your toilsome journey. I will not listen to anything you may have to tell me to-night; to-morrow we shall have ample leisure for discussions of various kinds; and to-morrow I promise you a gratification equal to that your company affords me, the introducing you to a family known to your parents, and who, I assure you, entertain a high regard and esteem for yourself."
"My good Doctor," replied Philimore, "I suspect your kind partiality has led you to speak far more in my praise than I deserve: you have overrated my poor abilities, and this amiable family will find I have but slight pretensions to the commendations you have given me."
Impressed with this idea, some check was given to the wonted self-possession of Philimore, when, the following day, he accompanied the Doctor on his walk to The Bower. Nevertheless, a feeling he had rarely of late experienced occupied his mind; his ideas, long saddened and oppressed, resumed a portion of their native vivacity, together with a wish to please, and an ardent desire to render himself agreeable, and support the good opinion his friend had excited in his favour, but which, as he
