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exhausted, periodical romancer─but as an English gentleman, of goodly stature and well-set limb, with a fine head on his shoulders, and a heart to match.

If to this we add a word, it must be to observe, that though the temper of our popular author may be marked by impatience on some occasions, it has never been upon any occasion marked by a want of generosity, whether in conferring benefits, or atoning for errors. His friends regard him as a man with as few failings, blended with fine qualities, as most people; and his enemies know nothing at all about him. He is liberal towards his contemporaries, and quick to feel a kindness rendered to himself. He writes rapidly, and finds leisure, we are told, for a full portion of social enjoyment and relaxation; so that at Kensal manor-house hospitality is a virtue that is always at home.

Amongst the possessions which Mr. Ainsworth has more recently inherited, is the charming residence at Beech-hill, where, as above stated, his early years were passed. To that house, with which all his younger and pleasanter recollections are connected, he meditates, we believe, a return in mature life. But the metropolis and its neighbourhood, the pursuit of fame, and the fields in which he has gathered up many golden sheaves, will long detain him thence─the delay only tending to enrich his memories, and double the sweetness of a late retirement. And when that late day shall come, and the home of his childhood shall again be his, may he find the end like the beginning─with its "vision splendid " turned to a reality.