t in that quarter. I shall build another wherry,
wear my badge and dress, and stick above bridge. When I'm all settled,
I'll splice, and live along with the old couple."

"But will Mary consent to live there? It is so quiet and retired that
she won't like it."

"Mary Stapleton has given herself airs enough in all conscience, and has
had her own way quite enough. Mary Beazeley will do as her husband
wishes, or I will know the reason why."

"We shall see, Tom. Bachelors' wives are always best managed, they say.
But now you want money to buy your boat."

"Yes, if you'll lend it to me; I don't like to take it away from the old
people; and I'll pay you when I can, Jacob."

"No; you must accept this, Tom; and when you marry you must accept
something more," replied I, handing the notes to him.

"With all my heart, Jacob. I never can repay you for what you have done
for me, and so I may just as well increase the debt."

"That's good logic, Tom."

"Quite as good as independence; is it not, Jacob?"

"Better, much better, as I know to my cost," replied I, laughing.

Tom finished his breakfast, and then took his leave. After breakfast,
as usual, I went to the boat-house, and unchaining my wherry, pulled up
the river, which I had not hitherto done; my attendance upon Sarah
having invariably turned the bow of my wherry in the opposite direction.
I swept by the various residences on the banks of the river until I
arrived opposite to that of Mr Wharncliffe, and perceived a lady and
gentleman in the garden. I knew them at once, and, as they were
standing close to the wall, I pulled in and saluted them.

"Do you recollect me?" said I to them, smiling.

"Yes," replied the lady, "I do recollect your face--surely--it is
Faithful, the waterman!"

"No, I am not a waterman; I am only amusing myself in my own boat."

"Come up," replied Mr Wharncliffe; "we can't shake hands with you at
that distance."

I made fast my wherry and joined them. They received me most cordially.

"I thought you were not a waterman, Mr Faithful, although you said that
you were," said Mrs Wharncliffe. "Why did you deceive us in that way?"

"Indeed, at that time I was, from my own choice and my own folly a
waterman; now I am so no longer."

We were soon on the most intimate terms, and I narrated part of my
adventures. They expressed their obligations to me, and requested that
I would accept their friendship.

"Would you like to have a ro