176 THE CHERRY-STONES.

expectations, it would be the most won-
derful half-crown that ever issued from her
Majesty’s Mint.

Having watched his brother’s move-
ments for a few minutes, Mertoun turned
te his own package and letter. He look-
ed at the latter first. It contained some
lines of cordial congratulation and good
wishes on the return of his birth-day ; and
informed him that they had sent him the
choicest of the ripe fruit in the garden;
the best cake that his friend Mrs. Bridget,
the housekeeper, could produce ; and the
present his father was in the habit of
making him on his birth-day ; and con-
cluded with a confident anticipation, that
Dr. Young would be able, in his breaking-
up letter, to speak as favourably of his
general conduct and attention to his: stu-
dies, as he had done on former occasions.