his home, where he was caressed by the wife and children. It happened
that the poor wife was taken ill and died. The husband was seriously
afflicted, and showed a feeling above the common. At this time I
observed that Rover had quite lost his spirits, and appeared to pine.
Seeing him in this state one day, when in company with the widowed
labourer, and thinking in some measure to divert the poor fellow's
thoughts from his own sorrows, I remarked to him the state that Rover
was in, and asked him if he could guess the cause. "He is fretting after
poor Peggy," was his reply, giving vent at the same time to a flood of
tears.

JAMES HOGG.

* * * * *



NOTES OF A READER.


OLD DANCING.


An "Old Subscriber," who loves a friend and a jest's prosperity, has
sent us a few leaves of "The Dancing Master," printed in 1728, which
form a curious contrast with Mr. Lindsay's elegant treatise, printed at
Mr. Clowes's _musical_ office. What will some of the quadrillers say to
the following exquisite morsel of dancing, entitled, "The Old Maid in
Tears?"--"Longways for as many as will".--(then the notes, and the
following instructions:)--"Note: Each strain is to be play'd twice