A mineralogist always has unsatisfied desires for some rare specimen, and Mrs. N

would spend days in a dirty auction-room, waiting to secure for her friend some stone that she knew he wished to possess, and long evenings were spent in talking over the treasures they had collected.

Things had gone on for two years in the same way, when Mrs. N invited to her house a young girl, who added to a good education a general culture, a taste for the fine arts, and a love for science. She was a very agreeable addition to Mrs. N and her friend, more especially the latter, who was becoming rather tired of his perpetual tête à tête with his pupil, and was well pleased to come in contact with a fresh and vigorous mind, already well cultivated, and fond of some of his favorite pursuits. This guest was from the country, and she must be shown the sights of London. The scientific man condescended to be her showman, and most ably did he perform his part. He obtained tickets of admission to all the finest private collections of pictures, and gave his companions the benefit of his knowledge of the various merits of the ancient masters. Whatever sight was to be seen, he made it doubly interesting by his learning and his taste. All the best theatres were visited' in turn, and there Mr. Naccompanied them, making himself the escort of the young lady, and leaving his

wife to "her philosopher," as he used to call him.

At the end of a few weeks, this trio was broken up, and the tête à tête was resumed for another year, being carried on as well during the six months in the city, as in the country.

By this time, the "envy, malice, and all uncharitableness" of the family circle had reached a fearful height, and led to the aspersion of Mrs. N's character. They accused her and her friend of too great an intimacy, and even spread the slander among their acquaintances, and endeavored thereby to deprive Mrs. Nof a sec

She

ond visit from her congenial young friend. was however so thoroughly convinced of the falsehood of the charge, that she treated it with silent contempt, and paid the expected visit. The result of her careful examination of the parties was, that perfect delicacy and propriety marked their intercourse, that no tender sentiment existed on his side, but that on hers she was struggling to conceal a love that amounted to idolatry. This generous young friend determined to do all she could to save the reputation and future wellbeing of Mrs. N——, even at the expense of some present happiness. She sought a private interview with the philosopher, told him of the slanders which were in circulation, and besought him not to compromise the reputation of his friend

by continuing his great intimacy. He replied, "You are a brave woman, to dare to speak so to me, and I honor you for it. I have wished a thousand times to break my chains, but I am so bound by innumerable obligations to the lady, that it seems like the blackest ingratitude to break up the intimacy."-"Your obligations to her should make you careful of her good repute; better be thought ungrateful than be the cause of a real injury.". "You are right; I see it all now, as I never did before; I will cut the connection at once.". "Do not be too rash; break off by degrees; you are going to Scotland for several months, do not write to her during your absence, and when you return, visit her only as a common acquaintance. This advice was followed, the lady's reputation was saved, and though she suffered for a while, she realized the danger she had escaped, and sought occupation and interest in establishing a boardingschool for twelve poor orphans, whom she fed and clothed and educated out of her own allowance for pin-money.

She survived her husband many years, and became a great traveller; but whether she ever found her way into the "kingdom of God on earth," I do not know, for I lost sight of her when I came to this country.

W

OBSERVATORY AT ARMAGH.

HEN travelling in Europe, it is a great advantage to belong to some profession, or to be devoted to some special object, as that introduces you to persons of similar pursuits, who feel a pleasure in forwarding your views, and pay you attentions accordingly.

I never was aware of this until I travelled with my husband, who was an astronomer and mathematician, and so well known as such, in England, that the Professor of Mathematics in Cambridge wrote to him, "Come to Cambridge; you need bring no letters of introduction; we all know you, and we want to see you."

When Mr. Farrar visited the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, I was allowed to accompany him, and the gentleman who received us, told me that I was enjoying a privilege which no duchess in the land could command. So much for being the wife of an astronomer.

No spot in England was visited by the Harvard Professor with so much interest as that plain

one-story building, on a small but abrupt hill, in Greenwich Park. We went all over it just before noon, and wished to see the observer take the sun's meridian, but that was not allowed, for it was a matter of such nice observation, that the mere breathing of another person in the room might spoil its accuracy. This fact interested him. He looked with reverence on a spot which had been the fountain of such rich streams of science, and was so intimately connected with the history of astronomy.

As soon as that distinguished astronomer, Mrs. Somerville, heard that Mr. Farrar was in London, she sent him a message by Lucy Aiken, to ask him to come and see her, and to say she would be at home every morning during the next week, till he came, that she might be sure to see him. She sent me word that she never made any calls, or she would come to see me, but she hoped I would accompany my husband.

We of course obeyed this gratifying summons, and went down to Chelsea early in the week. Dr. Somerville was governor of the hospital there for invalid soldiers, and lived in the building, where he had a handsome suite of apartments. He met us in the hall, and ushered us into a large room, which seemed to be a library and drawingroom all in one. There sat the pretty, refined, and elegant woman, who had astonished the sci