of wonder, what means all this noise?  Who is there?” “It is only I, your cousin Proger of Werndee, who am come to your hospitable door for shelter from the inclemency of the weather, and hope you will be so kind as to give my friend and me a lodging.”  “What!  Is it you, cousin Proger?  You and your friend shall be instantly admitted, but upon one condition, that you will allow, and never hereafter dispute, that I am the head of the family.”  “What did you say?” returned Mr. Proger.  “Why, I say, if you expect to pass the night in my house, you must allow that I am the head of the family.”  “No, sir, I never will admit that; were it to rain swords and daggers, I would ride this night to Werndee, rather than lower the consequence of my family.  Come up, Bold, come up.”  “Stop a moment, cousin Proger; have you not often confessed that the first Earl of Pembroke (of the name of Herbert) was the youngest son of Perthir; and will you set yourself above the Earls of Pembroke?” “True, I must give place to the Earl of Pembroke, because he is a peer of the realm; but still, though a peer, he is of the youngest branch of my family, being descended from the fourth son of Werndee, who was your ancestor, and settled at Perthir; whereas I am descended from the eldest son.  Indeed, my cousin Jones of Lanarth is of an older branch than you, and yet he never disputes that I am the head of the family.”  “Why, cousin Proger, I have nothing more to say; so, good night to you.”  “Stop a moment, Mr. Powell,” said the stranger, “you see how it pours; do admit me at least; I will not dispute with you about our families.”  “Pray, sir, what is your name, and where do you come from?” “My name is * * *, and I come from the county of * * *.”  “A Saxon of course; it would be very curious indeed, sir, should I dispute with a Saxon about families; no, sir, you must suffer for the obstinacy of your friend, and so a pleasant ride to you both.”

PUNCTUALITY.

A Quarter of an Hour.—­When Lord Nelson was leaving London, on his last, but glorious, expedition against the enemy, a quantity of cabin furniture was ordered to be sent on board his ship.  He had a farewell dinner party at his house; and the upholsterer having waited upon his lordship, with an account of the completion of the goods, was brought into the dining-room, in a corner of which his lordship spoke with him.  The upholsterer stated to his employer, that everything was finished, and packed, and would go in the wagon, from a certain inn, at six o’clock.  “And you go to the inn, Mr. A., and see them off?” “I shall, my lord; I shall be there punctually at six.” “A quarter before six, Mr. A.,” returned Lord Nelson, “be there a quarter before six.  To that quarter of an hour I owe everything in life.”