122 Darknefs and Light.

with all his brothers and fifters, wild with delight.
And oh, how Roderick chattered and talked about
all their faces, and how he loved to fee the fat
cheeks of one near his own age, and how fome
had grown, and their nofes improved, and what
beautiful curls another had! In fhort, if he had
gone on long they would all have got quite con-
ceited and faucy, and fancied themfelves a fet of
downright beauties. But you fee it was /ove that
made poor Roderick admire them all fo much 5
and, above all, he was charmed when they fmiled.
Ah, how little do brothers and fifters know how
tender their recollections of each others’ faces
would become, were a feparation to take place
among them! Then all the fweet {miles and
pretty looks would be recalled, that in every day
life are feen with fuch indifference. ‘ Little
children, love one another,” during the happy days
when you live together in health and comfort.
Can you guefs, dear readers, what a joyous
evening it was, that day at the Sea Caftle Home t
How the poor Father rejoiced, and how the old
Hall was lighted up for the Servants, to fhare in
the joy by a merry dance ; and how all the chil-
dren danced too; and how a barrel of good ale
was tapped, for every one to drink to the health
and happinefs of Mafter Roderick, and all the
family. But you never can guefs how Roderick
teafed all his brothers and fifters that evening, by
conftantly kiffing them. In the midft of a coun-
try dance he would run right acrofs to the ladies,