lady. But as I was very much his friend, what did I do but went and got a true licence and a true priest, and married them both as fast as the cloth could make then. Perhaps you'll think it was ge nerosity made me do all this. But, no. To my shame I confess it: my only design was to keep the licence, and let the squire know that I could prove it upon him, whenever I thought proper, and so make him come down whenever I wanted money. A burst of pleasure now seemed to fill the whole apartment; our joy even reached the common room, where the prisoners themselves sympathised,

And shook their chains

In transport and rude harmony.

Happiness was expanded upon every face, and even Olivia's cheeks seemed flushed with pleasure. To be thus restored to reputation, to friends and fortune at once, was a rapture sufficient to stop the progress of decay, and restore former health and vivacity. But, perhaps, among all, there was not one who felt sincerer pleasure than I. Still holding the dear loved child in my arms, I asked my heart if these transports were not delusion. How could you,' cried I, turning to Jenkinson, how could you add to my miseries by the story of her death? But it matters not; my pleasure at finding her again is more than a recompence for the pain.'

'As to your question,' replied Jenkinson, that is easily answered. I thought the only probable means of freeing you from prison, was by submitting to the squire, and consenting to his marriage with the other young lady. But these you had vowed never to grant while your daughter was living; there was, therefore, no other method to bring things to bear, but by persuading you that she was dead. I prevailed on your wife to join in the deceit, and we have not had a fit opportunity of undeceiving you

till now.'

In the whole assembly there now appeared only

two faces that did not glow with transport. Mr. Thornhill's assurance had entirely forsaken him; he now saw the gulph of infamy and want before him, and trembled to take the plunge. He therefore fell on his knees before his uncle, and in a voice of piercing misery implored compassion. Sir William was going to spurn him away, but at my request he raised him, and after pausing a few moments, Thy vices, crimes, and ingratitude,' cried he, deserve no tenderness; yet thou shalt not be entirely forsaken; a bare competence shall be supplied to support the wants of life, but not its follies. This young lady, thy wife, shall be put in possession of a third part of that fortune, which once was thine; and from her tenderness alone thou art to expect any extraordinary supplies for the future.' He was going to express his gratitude for such kindness in a set speech; but the baronet prevented him, by bidding him not aggravate his meanness, which was already but too apparent. He ordered him at the same time to be gone, and from all his former domestics to chuse one, such as he should think proper, which was all that should be granted to attend him.

As soon as he left us, Sir William very politely stepped up to his new niece with a smile, and wished her joy. His example was followed by Miss Wilmot and her father; my wife, too, kissed her daughter with much affection, as, to use her own expression, she was now made an honest woman of. Sophia and Moses followed in turn, and even our benefactor Jenkinson desired to be admitted to that honour.Our satisfaction seemed scarce capable of increase. Sir William, whose greatest pleasure was in doing good, now looked round, with a countenance open as the sun, and saw nothing but foy in the looks of all except that of my daughter Sophia, who, for some reasons we could not comprehend, did not seem perfectly satisfied. I think now,' cried he with a smile, that all the company, except one or two,

seem perfectly happy. There only remains an act of justice for me to do. You are sensible, Sir,' continued he, turning to me, of the obligations we both owe to Mr. Jenkinson; and it is but just we should both reward him for it. Miss Sophia will, I am sure, make him very happy, and he shall have from me five hundred pounds as her fortune; and upon this I am sure they can live very comfortably together. Come, Miss Sophia, what say you to this match of my making?-will you have him? My poor girl seemed almost sinking into her mother's arms at the hideous proposal. Have him, Sir!' cried she faintly; No, Sir, never!' What!' cried he again, 'not Mr. Jenkinson, your benefactor; a handsome young fellow, with five hundred pounds, and good expectations!' I beg, Sir,' returned she, scarce able to speak, that you'll desist, and not make me so very wretched.' • Was ever such obstinacy known,' cried he again, to refuse the man whom the family has such infinite obligations to, who has preserved your sister, and who has five hundred pounds. What, not have him!' No, Sir, never,' replied she, angrily; 'I'd sooner die first! If that be the case then,' tried he, if you will not have him-I think I must lave you myself.' And so saying, he caught her to his breast with ardour; My loveliest, my most sensible of girls,' cried he, how could you ever think your own Burchell could deceive you, or that Sir William Thornhill could ever cease to admire a mistress that loved him for himself alone: I have for some years sought for a woman, who, a stranger to my fortune, could think I had merit as a man. After having tried in vain, even among the pert and the ugly, how great at last must be my rapture, to have made a conquest over such sense and such heavenly beauty! Then turning to Jenkinson, As I cannot, Sir, part with this young lady myself, for she hath taken a fancy to the cut of my face, all the recompence I can make is, to give you her fortune, and you may call upon my steward to-morrow for five

hundred pounds.' Thus we had all our complimen to repeat, and Lady Thornhill underwent the sam round of ceremony that her sister had done before In the mean time, Sr William's gentleman appeared to tell us that the équipages were ready to carr us to the inn, where every thing was prepared fo our reception. My wife and I led the van, and le those gloomy mansions of sorrow. The generou baronet ordered forty pounds to be distributed amo the prisoners, and Mr. Wilmot, induced by his exa ple, gave half that sum. We were received beloty by the shouts of the villagers, and I saw and sho by the hand two or three of my honest parishioner who were among the number. They attended us our inn, where a sumptuous entertainment was pr vided, and coarser provision distributed in gre quantities among the populace.

After supper, as my spirits were exhausted by th alternation of pleasure and pain which they had su tained during the day, I asked permission to with draw: and leaving the company in the midst of the mirth, as soon as I found myself alone, I pour out my heart in gratitude to the Giver of joy well as sorrow, and then slept undisturbed till mort ing.

to

T

CHAP. XXXII.

The Conclusion.

HE next morning, as soon as I awaked, I found my eldest son sitting at my bed-side, who came to increase my joy with another turn of fortune in ny favour. First having released me 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 creditors. My boy's generosity pleased me almost as much as this unlooked-for good for

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 communicated my doubts. His opinion was, that s my son was already possessed of a very affluent fortune by his marriage, I might accept his offer without hesitation. His business, however, was to inform me, that as he had the night before sent for the licences, 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; 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 mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, in or der to prepare them. Yet they still seemed perfectly refractory and ungovernable. Even as we

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