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 all as small as their parents, he could scarcely answer.

"Assuredly they are; why, if any one of the six had been but an inch taller than themselves, they would have sent an express to me at Jamaica."

A servant came to the door, and Mr. Banks asked eagerly, if Mr. and Mrs. Webb and the six little children were at home. The girl stared, but replied that Mr. and Mrs. Webb, and some of the children, were in the garden, and some of the younger ones were in the nursery; but that Miss Webb, the eldest daughter, was in the parlour. "Show me in, show me in," said he; and into the room he nimbly stepped, winking aside to young Haywood, to express his glee. He seemed quite disappointed at seeing only a middle sized young lady sitting there. She arose on the old gentleman's precipitate entrance, while he exclaimed, "I thought to find one of Mr. Webb's tiny little children here."

"I am Mr. Webb's eldest daughter," said the young lady, blushing, "my parents will be in presently—will you sit down?" and she presented each gentleman with a chair.

Never was man more amazed—this young lady his little niece's daughter?—he certainly saw a likeness; but it was altogether a puzzle. At length he roused himself to say, "Why did not your mother write me word that they had a child as tall as you are? What is your name? Oh,—I remember—Colombe. It is a foolish name enough; but it might have been worse. Never mind, my dear, I will make you amends for your French name; better though than—but no matter; let me introduce you to Mr. Stephen Haywood."

Just then the door opened, and his niece, with her husband, and the five children, made their appearance. But if Mr. Banks was amazed at seeing