sing her delight at the
amusement she had received, when I entered with a grave face. "I wish
that I had not left you," said I to Mrs Cophagus; "I am afraid to meet my
father; he will exact the most implicit obedience. What am I to do. Must
not I obey him?"

"In all things lawful," replied Susannah, "most certainly, Japhet."

"In all things lawful, Susannah! now tell me, in the very case of my
apparel; Mr Masterton says, that he never will permit me to wear the
dress. What am I to do?"

"Thou hast thy religion and thy Bible for thy guide, Japhet."

"I have; and in the Bible I find written on tablets of stone by the
prophet of God, 'Honour thy father and thy mother;' there is a positive
commandment; but I find no commandment to wear this or that dress. What
think you?" continued I, appealing to them all.

"I should bid thee honour thy father, Japhet," replied Mrs Cophagus,
"and you, Susannah--"

"I shall bid thee good-night, Japhet."

At this reply we all laughed, and I perceived there was a smile on
Susannah's face as she walked away. Mrs Cophagus followed her, laughing
as she went, and Cophagus and I were alone.

"Well, Japhet--see old gentleman--kiss--shake hands--and blessing--and
so on."

"Yes, sir," replied I, "but if he treats me ill, I shall probably come
down here again. I am afraid that Susannah is not very well pleased with
me."

"Pooh, nonsense--wife knows all--die for you--Japhet, do as you
please--dress yourself--dress her--any dress--no dress like Eve--sly
puss--won't lose you--all right--and so on."

I pressed Mr Cophagus to tell me all he knew, and I found from him that
his wife had questioned Susannah soon after my departure, had found her
weeping, and that she had gained from her the avowal of her ardent
affection for me. This was all I wanted, and I wished him good-night, and
went to bed happy. I had an interview with Susannah Temple before I left
the next morning, and, although I never mentioned love, had every reason
to be satisfied. She was kind and affectionate; spoke to me in her usual
serious manner, warned me against the world, acknowledged that I should
have great difficulties to surmount, and even made much allowance for my
peculiar situation. She dared not advise, but she would pray for me.
There was a greater show of interest and confidence towards me than I
had ever yet received from her. When I parted from her I said, "Dear
Susannah, whatever change may take place in my fort