The sides were covered with curious characters, seemingly hieroglyphics.

After surveying them for some time, I replaced it upon the tray.

"You seem fond of china," said I to the old man, after the servant had retired with the breakfast things, and I had returned to my former posture; "you have china on the mantelpiece, and that was a remarkable teapot out of which I have just been drinking." The old man fixed his eyes intently on me, and methought the expression of his countenance became yet more melancholy.

"Yes," said he, at last, "I am fond of china--I have reason to be fond of china--but for china I should.

.