the day was fixed, and now I must not weary the reader with
a description of my feelings, or of my happiness in the preparations for
the ceremony. Sarah and I, Mary and Tom, were united on the same day,
and there was nothing to cloud our happiness. Tom took up his abode
with his father and mother; and Mary, radiant with happiness, even more
beautiful than ever, has settled down into an excellent, doting wife.
For Sarah, I hardly need say the same; she was my friend from childhood,
she is now all that a man could hope and wish for. We have been married
several years, and are blessed with a numerous family.

I am now almost at a conclusion. I have only to acquaint the reader
with a few particulars relative to my early friends. Stapleton is still
alive, and is wedded to his pipe, which, with him, although the taste
for tobacco has been considered as an acquired one, may truly be
asserted to be human nature. He has two wherries with apprentices, and
from them gains a good livelihood, without working himself. He says
that the boys are not as honest as I was, and cheat him not a little;
but he consoles himself by asserting that it is nothing but human
natur'. Old Tom is also strong and hearty, and says that he don't
intend to follow his legs for some time yet. His dame, he says, is
peaking, but Mary requires no assistance. Old Tom has left off mending
boats, his sign is taken down, for he is now comfortable. When Tom
married, I asked him what he wished to do; he requested me to lend him
money to purchase a lighter; I made him a present of a new one, just
launched by Mr Drummond's firm. But old Stapleton made over to him the
200 pounds, left to him by Mr Turnbull, and his mother brought out an
equal sum from her hoards. This enabled Tom to purchase another
lighter, and now he has six or seven, I forget which; at all events he
is well off, and adding to his wealth every year. They talk of removing
to a better house, but the old couple wish to remain. Old Tom,
especially, has built an arbour where the old boat stood, and sits there
carolling his songs, and watching the crafts as they go up and down the
river.

Mr and Mrs Wharncliffe still continue my neighbours and dearest
friends. Mrs Turnbull died a few months back, and I am now in
possession of the whole property. My father and mother-in-law are well
and happy. Mr Drummond will retire from business as soon as he can
wind up his multifarious concerns. I hav