the same round of ceremony that her sister had done before. In the mean time, Sir William's gentleman appeared to tell us that the equipages were ready to carry us to the inn, where every thing was prepared for our reception. My wife 5 and I led the van, and left those gloomy mansions of sorrow. The generous baronet ordered forty pounds to be distributed among the prisoners; and Mr. Wilmot, induced by his example, gave half that sum. We were received below by the 10 shouts of the villagers, and I saw and shook by the hand two or three of my honest parishioners, who were among the number. They attended us to our inn, where a sumptuous entertainment was provided, and coarser provision distributed 15 in great quantities among the populace.

After supper, as my spirits were exhausted by the alternation of pleasure and pain which they had sustained during the day, I asked permission to withdraw: and, leaving the company in the 20 midst of their mirth, as soon as I found myself alone, I poured out my heart in gratitude to the Giver of joy as well as sorrow, and then slept undisturbed till morning.

CHAPTER XXXII

THE CONCLUSION

THE next morning, as soon as I awaked I found my eldest son sitting by my bed-side, who came to increase my joy with another turn of fortune in my favour. First, having released me 5 from the settlement that I had made the day before in his favour, he let me know that my merchant, who had failed in town, was arrested at Antwerp, and there had given up effects to a much greater amount than what was due to his credi10 tors. My boy's generosity pleased me almost as much as this unlooked-for good fortune. But I had some doubts whether I ought in justice to accept his offer. While I was pondering upon. this, Sir William entered the room, to whom I 15 communicated my doubts. His opinion was, that, as my son was already possessed of a very affluent fortune by his marriage, I might accept his offer without any hesitation. His business, however, was to inform me, that as he had the 20 night before sent for the licenses, and expected them every hour, he hoped that I would not refuse. my assistance in making all the company happy that morning. A footman entered while we were speaking, to tell us that the messenger was returned 25 and as I was by this time ready, I went down,

where I found the whole company as merry as

affluence and innocence could make them. However, as they were now preparing for a very solemn ceremony, their laughter entirely displeased me. I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mys- 5 tical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, in order to prepare them. Yet they still seemed perfectly refractory and ungovernable. Even as we were going along to church, to which I led the way, all gravity had 10 quite forsaken them, and I was often tempted to turn back in indignation. In church a new dilemma arose, which promised no easy solution. This was, which couple should be married first: my son's bride warmly insisted that Lady Thorn-15 hill (that was to be) should take the lead; but this the other refused with equal ardour, protesting she would not be guilty of such rudeness for the world. The argument was supported for some time between both with equal obstinacy 20 and good breeding. But as I stood all this time with my book ready, I was at last quite tired of the contest; and, shutting it, "I perceive," cried I, "that none of you have a mind to be married; and I think we had as good go back again, for I 25 suppose there will be no business done here to-day." This at once reduced them to reason. The baronet and his lady were first married, and then my son and his lovely partner.

I had previously that morning given orders, 30 that a coach should be sent for my honest neigh

bour Flamborough and his family; by which means, upon our return to the inn, we had the pleasure of finding the two Miss Flamboroughs alighted before us. Mr. Jenkinson gave his hand 5 to the eldest, and my son Moses led up the other; (and I have since found that he has taken a real liking to the girl, and my consent and bounty he shall have, whenever he thinks proper to demand them.) We were no sooner returned to the inn, 10 but numbers of my parishioners, hearing of my success, came to congratulate me; but among the rest were those who rose to rescue me; and whom I formerly rebuked with such sharpness. I told the story to Sir William, my son-in-law, 15 who went out and reproved them with great severity; but finding them quite disheartened by his harsh reproof he gave them half a guinea a piece to drink his health, and raise their dejected spirits.

Soon after this we were called to a very genteel 20 entertainment, which was dressed by Mr. Thornhill's cook. And it may not be improper to observe, with respect to Mr. Thornhill, that he now resides in quality of companion at a relation's house, being very well liked, and seldom sitting 25 at the side-table, except when there is no room at the other; for they make no stranger of him. - His time is pretty much taken up in keeping his relation, who is a little melancholy, in spirits, and in learning to blow the French horn. My 30 eldest daughter, however, still remembers him with regret; and she has even told me, though I

make a great secret of it, that when he reforms, she may be brought to relent.

But to return, for I am not apt to digress thus; when we were to sit down to dinner, our ceremonies were going to be renewed. The question was, 5 whether my eldest daughter, as being a matron, should not sit above the two young brides? But the debate was cut short by my son George, who proposed that the company should sit indiscriminately, every gentleman by his lady. This was 10 received with great approbation by all, excepting my wife, who, I could perceive, was not perfectly satisfied, as she expected to have had the pleasure of sitting at the head of the table, and carving the meat for all the company. But, notwithstand- 15 ing this, it is impossible to describe our good humour. I can't say whether we had more wit amongst us now than usual; but I am certain we had more laughing, which answered the end as well. One jest I particularly remember. Old 20 Mr. Wilmot, drinking to Moses, whose head was turned another way, my son replied, "Madam, I thank you." Upon which the old gentleman, winking upon the rest of the company, observed, that he was thinking of his mistress. At which 25 jest I thought the two Miss Flamboroughs would have died with laughing. As soon as dinner was over, according to my old custom, I requested that the table might be taken away, to have the pleasure of seeing all my family assembled once more by a 30 cheerful fireside. My two little ones sat upon