In the meantime 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 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 We were received below by the 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 provisions were distributed in great quantities among the populace.

that sum.

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 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 of sorrow, and then slept undisturbed till morning.

CHAPTER XXXII.

The Conclusion.

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.
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 com-
posing, 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 quite forsaken them, and I
was often tempted to turn back in indigna-
tion. 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
Thornhill (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 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 sup
pose 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.

THE next morning, as soon as I awaked, I found my eldest son sitting by my bedside, who came to increase my joy with another turn of fortune in my 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 un- I had previously, that morning, given looked-for good fortune; but I had some orders that a coach should be sent for my doubts whether I ought, in justice, to honest neighbour Flamborough and his accept his offer. While I was pondering family; by which means, upon our return upon this Sir William entered the room, to the inn, we had the pleasure of finding to whom I communicated my doubts. the two Miss Flamboroughs alighted beHis opinion was that, as my son was fore us. Mr. Jenkinson gave his hand to already possessed of a very affluent fortune the eldest, and my son Moses led up the by his marriage, I might accept his offer other (and I have since found, that he without any hesitation. His business, has taken a real liking to the girl, and my however, was to inform me, that as he had consent and bounty he shall have, whenthe night before sent for the licences, and ever he thinks proper to demand them). expected them every hour, he hoped that I│We were no sooner returned to the inn

who proposed that the company should sit indiscriminately, every gentleman by his lady. This was 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

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, who went out and reproved them with great severity; but finding them quite disheart-carving all the meat for all the company. ened by his harsh reproof, he gave them half a guinea apiece to drink his health, and raise their dejected spirits.

Soon after this we were called to a very genteel entertainment, which was dressed by Mr. Thornhill's cook.-And it may not be improper to observe with respect to that gentleman, that he now resides, in quality of companion, at a relation's house, being very well liked, and seldom sitting 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 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, 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,

But, notwithstanding this, it is impossible to describe our good humour. I can't say whether we had more wit among us now than usual; but I am certain we had more laughing, which answered the end as well. One jest I particularly remember: old 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 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 cheerful fire-side. My two little ones sat upon each knee, the rest of the company by their partners. I had nothing now on this side of the grave to wish for all my cares were over; my pleasure was unspeakable. It now only remained, that my gratitude in good fortune should exceed my former submission in adversity.

END OF THE VICAR OF WAKEField.

THE

CITIZEN OF THE WORLD.