said in Exodus to be 'in the edge of the wilder- and Goulding to prepare the draft of a will ness,' is identified by M. Naville with Atuma, spoken of in a very old papyrus as a wilderness inhabited by nomads, and lying near the land of Succoth and the lakes of Pithom. Rameses, mentioned in Exodus as the starting-point of the Israelite journey, has not yet been identified; it is probable that, like Succoth, it is the name of a region and not of a city. for his approval. A personal interview was not necessary, for his directions were simple, and his solicitors were well acquainted with the details of his affairs. All his property was to be left to one person-a lady, with the exception of a legacy of five hundred pounds to Mr Goulding, who was to act as sole executor, such thorough confidence had Mr Mossop in that gentleman. The draft was duly prepared and submitted by post; and finding it satisfactory, Mr Mossop requested that the will itself might be engrossed as soon as possible, for he was suffering from a dangerous attack of bronchitis, and felt it desirable to have his worldly affairs settled. These discoveries make it clear that the route followed by the Israelites was the southern route to Palestine used by the Bedouins up to the opening of the Suez Canal, by the Wadi Tumilat and the head of the Red Sea. This Sea, we must remember, extended then so far north as to include the Bitter Lakes and Lake Timseh. Its Though wealthy, he was a disappointed man. waters, according to M. Naville, would probably He was a first-cousin of Sir Peter Mossop of be shallow, and liable to be driven back by an Mossop Hall, and had always held it as a grieveast wind, leaving a dry way, a phenomenon ance that he had not succeeded to the baronetcy which is often seen now in other parts of Egypt. himself; indeed, he barely recognised his relative, At a point where this frequently took place, whom he regarded as an interloper. His uncle, the Pharaohs may have built a Migdol, or fort, the late Sir William, had remained a bachelor as the Egyptian word means, to guard the until very late in life, and Abram Mossop had Egyptian shore from the inroads of the desert therefore reckoned on inheriting both the title nomads; and it was near some such Migdol that and the property; but, to every one's surprise the Israelites crossed the sea. The spot is very and Abrain's disgust, the old gentleman one fine precisely indicated in Exodus xiv. 2 by the day married a young country girl of no pardirections given: 'Speak unto the children of ticular family, and was subsequently blessed with Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi- a son and daughter, the former being the prehahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over sent Sir Peter. This was a bitter disappointagainst Baal-zephon: before it ye shall encampment to Mr Mossop, who was imbued with a by the sea.' M. Naville identifies Pi-hahiroth with Pi-keheret, a city frequently named on the monuments of Pithom as lying in its immediate neighbourhood, and as a place to which horses and cattle were brought for the support of the temple of Osiris, which the monuments state to have existed there. The Septuagint and Coptic versions translate Pi-hahiroth by the farm;' and we know from an ancient papyrus that there was a great farm or estate of Pharaoh in the neighbourhood of Pithom. M. Naville has little doubt that the Pi-keleret of the monuments is the Serapiu of the Itinerary of Antoninus, as Serapiu means a sanctuary of Osiris, and we know of no other sanctuary of Osiris in that part of the country. If those identifications are correct, it is not impossible that future operations of the Egyptian Exploration Fund may lead to the identification of other places of interest to the historical and Biblical student. MR MOSSOP'S WILL. IN THREE CHAPTERS.-CHAP. I. MR ARTHUR GOULDING is junior partner in the firm of Shuttleworth and Goulding, solicitors, and is universally respected in his profession as a man of the highest integrity. He is in the prime of life, and takes a very active part in his business, returning at the close of each day to his little place at Chelsea, which is adorned by a pretty wife and three children. Among the clients of the firm in 188- was Mr Abram Mossop of 'The Firs,' near Chester, who owned some valuable house-property in London, the rents of which the firm collected for him. In the month of October in that year, Mr Mossop, who was an old man in failing health, wrote instructing Messrs Shuttleworth good deal of vanity, and was very anxious to be the representative of the family, whose title was more than two centuries old. He had been married; but his wife died soon after Sir Peter's advent, as did also their only son; so that he was quite alone in his declining years, and conse quently, his disposition had become somewhat soured and his habits eccentric. There was only one person for whom he seemed to have a sincere liking, and this was a lady, who could hardly be termed a rela tive, being only a second-cousin of his wife's; but she had shown him much kindness at the time of his bereavement, as well as goodnatured attention on subsequent occasions. People had said, indeed, that Mrs Reddie, who was a widow, was setting her cap at Mr Mossop; but if this were the case, she did not succeed, for he showed no inclination to marry a second time -or perhaps it was that her four daughters frightened him. However, she was now about to reap her reward, for it was in her favour that the will was being drawn up; and her portionless and loverless daughters would be so no longer. Mr Mossop was determined that Sir Peter should not have a shilling of his money, though legacy would have been very acceptable to that gentleman, whose extravagant habits were likely to ruin him. The property which Abram Mossop was in a position to bequeath was worth considerably over two thousand pounds a year, besides the residence called 'The Firs,' which was a valuable house with extensive grounds; so it was no wonder that Sir Peter had several times made friendly overtures to him, which, however, were always repelled. Mrs Reddie, who was aware of Mr Mossop's intention to leave her everything, often wished that he would make his will; but, like many other old persons, he appeared to have an objection Journal to do so, and of course she could not urge him with propriety. He had deferred it from time to time, until he now found himself prostrated with a serious illness, which caused him to decide on having it done at once. Accordingly, on receipt of his letter, Messrs Shuttleworth and Goulding had the document prepared, and it was ready for signature early in November. To see that it was properly executed, it was desirable that a representative of the firm should go down to the country with it; and Mr Goulding, being the executor, agreed to undertake this duty himself. The journey from London to Chester and back can be easily accomplished in a day, allowing a couple of hours for the transaction of business; and the solicitor determined on making an early start, in order that he might get home the same night. With this object in view, he set out one morning at eight o'clockan hour earlier than usual, and proceeded by train to Willesden_Junction, where he caught the express leaving Euston at nine. It was a dispiriting day; a November fog hung over London, and it was only a few degrees lighter in the country, besides which, a drizzling rain was falling-altogether, the sort of day when a person would not feel inclined to say 'Good-morning' even to his dearest friend. However, wet or dry, foggy or clear, the iron-horse does its duty with equal indifference; and Mr Goulding, having beguiled the five hours as well as he could with a couple of newspapers, found himself in Chester station a few minutes after the advertised time. Having taken some refreshment, he hired a cab to drive to 'The Firs,' a distance of about four miles, but which seemed ten under the circumstances; for it was still raining, the roads were muddy, and everything looked as unattractive as could be imagined. At half-past three he reached his destination, and was glad to alight, hoping to finish his business in time to catch a train that left for London about two hours later. 'The Firs' was what might be described in an advertisement as 'a modern residence replete with every convenience.' It had a pretty gate-lodge, and an extensive lawn, bordered with a plantation of tall fir-trees, to which it owed its name. When Mr Mossop had entered into possession of it on the death of his father, it was by no means so modern-looking; but he had laid out a round sum on improvements, to please his wife, who had brought him a very respectable fortune. His establishment at the time of Mr Goulding's visit included an elderly butler, who made himself generally useful, and disagreed with the cook; a coachman, who was also a gardener ; a stable-boy, who assisted in the garden; a cook, who was half a housekeeper, and disagreed with the butler; and two other female servants, who disagreed with each other. The cause of this disorganisation in the servants' hall was the want of a mistress, for Mr Mossop never interfered with his domestics so long as they ministered to his daily requirements in a satisfactory manner; but to this extent he was very strict. A valet he never would have, as he considered those functionaries were only in the way, and were more interested about their masters' affairs than in their own duties. On Mr Goulding's arrival, he was received by the butler, who informed him that Mr Mossop had been very bad all the previous night; the doctor had been to see him in the forenoon, and he was now asleep. Of course, under the circumstances the solicitor could not have him disturbed, so there was nothing for it but to dismiss the cab and wait while dinner was being prepared. It was nearly six o'clock when the nurse, who had been attending the old gentleman during his illness, came to tell Mr Goulding that her patient was awake and inquiring for him. In a few moments the solicitor stood by the bedside of his client, and was shocked to observe the change in his appearance since their last meeting, some months before. His cheeks were sunken, and if they had any colour at all, it was a sickly bluish tint; while his voice was so weak that nothing but important business could have justified any one in holding conversation with him. He had been a rather handsome man, tall, with aquiline features, and a severe expression of countenance, though he was in reality kind-hearted. Now he was reduced to a mere shadow. He was glad to see Mr Goulding, and as soon as they were alone, desired to have the will read over to him before calling in the witnesses. "There is one thing I omitted,' he said when the solicitor had finished: 'I intended to leave something to the servants, but it slipped my memory when I was writing the instructions. I thought afterwards that it would do as well if I notified my wishes in writing to Mrs Reddie; she would be sure to carry out my intentions.' 'No doubt,' said Mr Goulding. 'But if you like, we can easily draw up a codicil.' 'I do not think that is necessary. If I recover' 'Why, my dear sir, I hope that a few days will see you on your feet again.' 'Ah! no,' said the sick man wearily. I was never so ill before. I think this attack will finish me. But in any case, I have written a letter to her requesting her to distribute some legacies amongst them, according to my original intention. I am sure she will give effect to my wishes.' 'Well, I mustn't let you talk too much.Who are the witnesses to be?' "The butler, I suppose, for one; and either the coachman or the nurse must do for the other. There is nobody else at hand. Please touch the bell.' Mr Goulding did so, and the nurse entered. 'Send William here, please,' said Mr Mossop. And is John about the place?' 'I don't know, sir; I think I saw him going out.' 'Well, if you can't find him, come back yourself; I want you to witness my signature.' The woman having departed on her errand, the old gentleman beckoned to Mr Goulding to come near, and spoke to him in a whisper, though his voice had been little more than that during the interview. 'I hope,' he said, 'that no question could arise that there would be no fear of Peter Mossop disputing the will. They would never dare to say that I-that my mind was affected, I mean?' 'Not the least fear, my dear sir; you may make yourself perfectly easy.' 'Because,' continued the other, if I thought that man would get a shilling of my money, I could not rest. He would run through it in a year; but Mrs Reddie deserves it, and will make good use of it.' The nurse presently returned with William (the butler), not having found the coachman. Mr Goulding explained in a few words what was required; and then the old gentleman, being propped up with pillows, signed his name to the will with a feeble trembling hand. The nurse, who was an elderly woman, with the partiality of her profession for cordials, seemed as unsteady as Mr Mossop, scrawling her name 'Anne Jane Hilditch' right across the page. The butler's signature was more business-like; but, on examination, Mr Goulding was surprised to see that he had signed as 'Frederick Spearing.' 'I thought,' said he, 'your name was William.' 'I'm called William, sir,' the man replied; 'but was christened Frederick.' 'Oh! that explains,' said Mr Goulding.-' And now, if it is convenient to drive me into Chester, I shall be ready immediately.' 'Better stay all night, Goulding,' said Mr Mossop. 'We can easily have a bed aired, sir,' the butler added by way of hospitality. But Mr Goulding would not be persuaded. 'No; thank you,' he said. 'It is too late to reach London to-night. But I shall sleep at Chester, and get off by the first train in the morning.' So the rain having ceased, the dogcart was ordered round, in preference to the ponderous old brougham, and the solicitor took leave of his client, who seemed a good deal weakened by the excitement of the interview. It was seven o'clock when Mr Goulding drove away, and quite dark, except for the occasional patches of moonlight which struggled through the heavy clouds. He was not inclined to talk to the man; but the man was anxious to talk to him-most likely with a view to gleaning some little information as to the business which brought him to 'The Firs.' "The poor master's very bad, sir,' was John's opening remark. 'He is indeed, I am sorry to say,' Mr Goulding replied. A bad thing it would be for us, sir, if he was took.' Postlethwaite. But when I first come, I was told neither of them names would do; that a coachman ought to be called John; and John I was to be, or nothing.' Really!' 'Yes, sir; and the other servants is all nicknamed the same way-all except the cook. Cook wouldn't stand it, and the master had to give in, 'cause she had the name of being a first-rate hand, and he was set on having her.' 'Well, but you know you mustn't talk to people about your master's peculiarities. It isn't respectful, and might get him the reputation of being eccentric.' Mr Goulding said this with a recollection of the old gentleman's fears lest his cousin might dispute the will. O no, sir,' replied John, feeling rather hurt; 'I'm not given to talking that way to any one else, and none of us would say anything that wasn't respectful of the master, sir.' Mr Goulding remained silent, but after a brief interval the man continued his observations. 'They do say, sir, that Sir Peter won't get any of the master's money after all.' 'Do they?' 'Yes, sir, though he wants it bad enough, by all accounts. He's been here three or four times since the master was took ill, to ask after his health; but he never would see him.' "When was he here last?' 'On Monday, sir. I believe somebody told him you was coming down, and he wanted to know particular from the butler what day we expected you.' 'Oh, indeed!' It was folly for the country coachman to fish for information from the London lawyer, so, after a few more attempts, he relapsed into silence; and the remainder of the drive was enlivened only by the jolting of the vehicle and occasional splashes of mud. Having at length arrived in Chester, the solicitor put up at an hotel adjacent to the railway station, and was not sorry to retire to rest early, intending to travel by a train which left at about nine o'clock in the morning. The next day was a contrast to the previous one, being remarkably clear and fine for the time of year; and Mr Goulding, having purchased a novel, took his seat in a smoking compartment, with the anticipation of a pleasant journey, He had only one fellow-passenger, a middle-aged gentleman, who was also bound for London, and who exchanged a few remarks with him on the weather and other important topics. At Crewe there was a stoppage of five minutes, and the gentleman got out, leaving Mr Goulding alone. The latter was sitting next the door on the plat form side; and his luggage, which consisted only of a valise and a small black bag, such as lawyers use, was placed on the opposite seat. The bag contained the will and a couple of other papers, besides some loose cash to the value of thirty shillings, and was lying a little nearer to the door than the valise. While his companion was absent, a long goods-train passed through the station, and Mr Goulding rose and crossed to the opposite window to look out at it. Having thrust his head out, he heard some one open the door, which had been closed, but not latched, as if to enter the carriage; then a lady's voice said, Chambers's Journal, SOMETHING ABOUT BARONETS. "Oh, this is "smoking!"' and the person went away. This little incident did not occupy more than a moment; but when Mr Goulding had shut the window and resumed his seat, he noticed with surprise that his bag had disappeared. Although certain that it had been there a few seconds before, he searched the compartment thoroughly, thinking that possibly it might have fallen, or that his companion might have removed it by mistake. But there was no trace of it; and the other passenger returning, declared that he had not seen it at all. Here was a dilemma. It seemed probable that the person who opened the carriage-door had taken it; but the train was about to start, and there was no time to be lost. Mr Goulding seized his valise and hastened in pursuit of the guard, to whom he briefly related the circumstances, and who assisted him to make a hurried examination of all the firstclass compartments in the train, as it was natural to assume that the person or persons who attempted to enter his compartment were travelling by the same class. There were a good many lady-passengers, but none of them were at all suspiciouslooking, and the search proved fruitless. The station-master and a railway policeman were now informed of the loss; but the train had already been delayed a couple of minutes, and Mr Goulding was told that he must either take his seat or remain behind. He chose the latter alterna tive. 283 sale of public honours by the king, to feed the vanity of his creatures, and to meet the demands of his own cupidity and of their corruption.' It was a peculiarity of this would-be absolute king that he was ever 'unable to rule but by first enslaving himself to some unworthy minion;' and we know that the two minions to whom during his reign he was successively enslaved were Robert Carr, whom he created Earl of Somerset, and George Villiers, who became Duke of Buckingham. The king, we have seen, was much pushed for money; and the former of the two minions just mentioned endeavoured to help his majesty out of his difficulties. Somerset devised a three-headed financial scheme, and to the first of the three heads of his scheme we owe that titulary institution known as the Baronetage. The sale of already existing titles had been carried on to such an extent that even the king himself appears to have felt ashamed at such an undignified mode of raising the wind.' It is authentically related that a certain country gentleman whose assurance was not equal to his ambition or vanity, was ushered into the king's presence to receive the purchased honour of knighthood. The aspirant looked sheepish and hung down his head. 'Hold up thy head, man,' exclaimed His Majesty; 'I have more reason to be ashamed than thou!" Somerset's plan was an improvement on this one, inasmuch as the honour to be disposed of was brand new. What, however, should it be called? No doubt, this momentous question greatly exercised the minds of the managers SOMETHING ABOUT BARONETS. of the scheme, until somebody-and his thought REGARDED from a constitutional point of view, must be admitted to have been a happy onethe Stuart period of our history is by far the suggested what looks like the diminutive form most important in its annals. Its one great of 'baron,' and thus arose the title of Baronet. feature is the revival of an obstinate resistance This word, however, as a matter of fact, was not on the part of parliament to the monstrous claims coined for the occasion, for Selden (Titles of put forth by the Crown. We say the 'revival,' Honour) treats the term as old even in his because, although the mighty rule of the Tudors time, and investigates its origin with some had, so to speak, sent constitutional government gravity. He associates it with the knightsto sleep, yet this slumber was one to be awakened bannerets-that is, those who in the days of from. The awakening commenced with the chivalry were knighted by the king on the field first Stuart, that strange personage, who, having of battle, and who received a banner 'charged' come to the throne by an extremely infirm with their arms on the occasion. On going into title, yet believed in the force of 'divine right' battle, a person of distinction would have carried not only to reign as though his title were on his spear-head a pennon. On the part near unquestionable, but also to govern after the the weapon would be his coat of arms. The fashion of an absolute monarch. The nation pointed portion of the pennon was cut off, leaving having come to its senses, then commenced the the square containing the arms; and when this memorable conflict which ended in the annihila--now a standard-was handed back to the owner, tion of the Stuart dynasty, the establishment of he became at once a knight-banneret. The learned the supremacy of parliament, and the strict defi- writer then says that 'the name of banneret somenition of the limits of the royal prerogative. times expressed a baron of parliament;' also that To James I. the very name of parliament was the word banneret was often miswritten baronet; abhorrent, while the institution itself he treated and he gives an instance in the reign of Edward with open contempt. He governed for seven VI. of a knight-banneret being styled in his years without one at all; and when he did sum- patent of creation Baronettus instead of Bannermon one, he assumed to have a right to control ettus. On the authority of Spelman, however, the election of its members, to regulate their we may assume that baronettus and bannerettus utterances, to mutilate the journals of the House are not terms which have always been ignorantly of Commons, and to send certain refractory or indiscriminately used. In fact, in feudal times, members of the House to prison ! Parliament the word baronet appears to have applied to the would grant the king no money; so he fell back upon monopolies, arbitrary taxation, and other devices, for the replenishment of his exchequer. One of these was the sale of honours, and in the words of Lord Nugent (Memorials of Hampden), the ancient nobility were insulted by the vulgar lesser barons. But be this as it may, the word was known long before the time of James I.; still, the application of it to the new order of quasi-nobility, or rather, perhaps, hereditary knighthood, was well conceived, and it undoubtedly has a more imposing sound than banneret. Wednesday and Friday afternoons; and the Commissioners were strictly ordered to observe impartiality as regards their selection of grantees of their patents. Especially are they enjoined to do ‘these two things the one that every such person as shall be admitted do enter into sufficient bond or recognisance, to our use, for the payment' of his fee, which you are to see paid." Secondly, the Commissioners were to keep the money thus raised for the Ulster Plantation apart from all other public treasure, the king evidently having regarded it as the outcome of a feeling of loyalty to himself, and the result of a worthy desire to promote the progress of a 'public and memorable work.' Now, it must not be supposed that this new honour was disposed of to any person who could pay for it. Commissioners were appointed who were to conduct the business of granting the patents conferring the title, and the instructions given to them were very precise as to who should be created baronets. The recipients of the honour were to be a certain number of knights and esquires,' who were also to be 'men for quality, state of living, and good reputation worthy of the same.' The Commissioners were directed to have these facts established by proofs, also to take care that candidates for the new dignity were 'at the least descended of a grandfather by the father's side that bore arms.' Finally, it was a necessary qualification for the honour that the aspirant should have also of certain yearly revenue of lands in inheritance or possession one thousand per annum clear.' Evidently, then, the earliest baronets were not the nobodies many persons suppose them to have been, from the circumstance of the title having been first acquired by money. 'Nor, indeed, after all, was there so much difference between the purchase of a baronetcy and the liability to furnish a knight for every knight's fee, under the ancient tenures.' In other words, this 'ingenious contrivance' for raising money did not, under the circumstances, either pollute the 'fountain of honour' or 'disgrace the chivalry of knight-all baronets as such. We say 'as such,' because, if hood.' But how was the disposal of the dignity effected? Certainly not after the fashion of that 'vulgar sale of public honours,' so severely reprehended by Lord Nugent. There was at any rate something like a valid reason given for the creation and sale of the new title; and unless we are to stigmatise off-hand the whole business as a piece of plausible humbug, we must confess it to have been transacted with perfect propriety. The first patent was granted on May 22, 1612, and several existing baronetcies were created on that day. Each patent was in Latin, and although occasionally effusive and stilted, it is nevertheless on the whole a well-drawn instrument. Its preamble sets forth the fact of the king requiring money for the affairs of Ireland, and especially for the settlement, or as it is called, the Plantation of Ulster; after which it states the grant of the title to A. B. and the heirs-male of his body lawfully begotten. The rank of A. B. among other persons is mentioned; and his wife is declared to be entitled to the style of 'Lady, Madame, and Dame.' (Her title is strictly Baronetess.) The king undertakes by the exercise of his unusually abundant and special favour, from his certain knowledge and mere motion,' for himself, his heirs, and successors, that the number of baronets shall never exceed two hundred; and that no other hereditary dignity shall ever be created calculated to disturb the prestige or the equanimity of the new-honour men or their descendants. These are the material features of this patent, for which the quid pro quo was to be the maintenance of thirty foot-soldiers in Ireland for three years, after the rate of eightpence sterling money of England by the day, and the wages of one whole year to be paid into our receipt upon passing of the patent.' In all, including everything, about twelve hundred pounds. Candidates for baronetcies were to apply personally at the Council Chamber, Whitehall, on The patents of the new baronets were not quite explicit on the question of precedence. Accord ingly, the king, in 1612, published a decree of portentous length for the settlement of—especially to ladies-this solemn and important matter. The preamble of the instrument referred to for cibly reminds us of one of those oriental decrees mentioned in Holy Writ, and though long, it is extremely succinct. The result of this edict is that, while younger sons of viscounts and barons are to take precedence over baronets as such, yet that a banneret, if created in the field, is to rank before any of them during his own life. On the other hand, all ordinary bannerets are to rank after a baronet be a privy-councillor, he will, by virtue of the latter honour, take precedence before all persons after knights of the garter not ennobled The holders of great offices under the Crown are always regarded with much honour in this country. Accordingly, a baronet, as such, will come after all and each of Her Majesty's judges, whatever may be their titular designation. The wife of a baronet will rank analogously amongst ladies as her husband does amongst men; so that the wives of younger sons of viscounts and barons will precede baronetesses. And while daughters of the younger sons of peers will go before wives of the eldest sons of baronets, yet the latter will go before any baronet's daughters. It is noticeable that the honour of baronetcy was originally confined to Englishmen; and it so remained until 1619, when baronets of Ireland were created. On March 27, 1625, James I. died, leaving the country burdened with a gigantic debt. The same year, Charles I. created the first Scottish baronetcy, and this term requires a slight explanation. It must be remembered that the peninsula of Nova Scotia, discovered by Cabot in 1497, was in possession of the English in 1622. To provide funds for the settlement of that province, Charles I., carrying out the intention of his father, adopted the expedient which had been devised to effect the pacification of Ulster, and hence came into existence the baronets of Nova Scotia, who after the Act of Union became merged in the Scotch baronetage. To these baronets of Nova Scotia more than a patent was granted; each received a charter conferring upon him certain substantial benefits in that province. But then the consideration for the latter baronetcies was considerably more extensive than that given by those of the English creation. Just as the peerage consists of honours of English, Scotch, Irish, and United Kingdom origin, so the degrees of the baronetage may be 它 6: |