The day before Christmas—­universally known as Christmas Eve—­at length arrived.  On that morning, our friend Mr. Temple and his family were seated at breakfast with easy and cheerful hearts, when the following conversation took place; and we introduce it for the purpose of gratifying our readers, who, we are certain, will rejoice in hearing the circumstances that form its subject matter.

“Charles, my dear, I always knew that my dear grandpapa was a kind and forgiving man; and, to tell the truth, I felt a conviction that such sincerity of heart, and such unexampled purity of purpose as yours, would not be permitted long to suffer.  Read the letter again my love.”

Her husband, whose mild features were absolutely radiant with an expression of delight—­an expression that was elevated, besides, with a glow of fervent and devotional feeling—­now read the letter again, which was to the following effect:—­

“My dear Maria,—­I do not think that a man of my years—­now near seventy-two—­who feels how many duties he has neglected in this life, and who, consequently, knows how much he requires to be forgiven, ought any longer to class himself with those who are disposed to withhold their pardon from human error.  I wrote some time ago to your father, requesting, nay, commanding him, to suffer himself to be reconciled to you; but his reply was, that, although he was not averse to it in due time, yet he said that for the present he must decline it—­not so much, he added, for want of affection for you, as that he might the more strongly manifest a sense of his displeasure at your conduct, in throwing yourself away upon an ‘educated beggar.’”

The hectic of a moment, as Sterne beautifully says, came across his fine and handsome features as he uttered the words; and he added, “He forgets, my love, that my family is not, as your grandpapa says, inferior to his own.”

“Do not dwell on that, dearest Charles,” she added, “but let us hear good old grandpapa out.”

“No, my dear Maria, I differ with your papa; Mr. Temple was not an educated beggar, but an educated and accomplished gentleman, whose family, in point of blood and birth; is equal even to ours.  Still, my love, you know that on many accounts, and as persons to whom you were so justly dear, and who felt such a strong interest in your settlement and position in life, we had reason to feel offended at the step you took in marrying him.  That, however, is past—­and now let it be forgotten.  Your papa still loves you tenderly, my Maria; for I could observe that in a passage where he said it was necessary that you should suffer a little longer, there were the marks of tears—­and of tears too, that fell thickly.  Now, however, for something that will cheer my own favorite.  I have succeeded in getting Mr. Temple appointed to the living of Ballynolan, in a safe and quiet part of the country, not many miles from Drumgooran Castle.”

“That you know my dear Charles, is his own family seat.”