returning.
I am not, your honour, very fond of the French--they are an idle,
frivolous, penurious, poor nation. Only think, Sir, the other day I saw
a gentleman of the most noble air secrete something at a cafe, which
could not clearly discern; as he wrapped it carefully in paper, before
he placed it in his pocket, I judged that it was a silver cream ewer,
at least; accordingly, I followed him out, and from pure curiosity--I
do assure your honour, it was from no other motive--I transferred this
purloined treasure to my own pocket. You will imagine, Sir, the interest
with which I hastened to a lonely spot in the Tuileries, and carefully
taking out the little packet, unfolded paper by paper, till I came--yes,
Sir, till I came to--five lumps of sugar! Oh, the French are a mean
people--a very mean people--I hope I shall soon be able to return to
England. Meanwhile, I am going into Holland, to see how those rich
burghers spend their time and their money. I suppose poor Dawson, as
well as the rascal Thornton, will be hung before you receive this--they
deserve it richly--it is such fellows who disgrace the profession. He is
but a very poor bungler who is forced to cut throats as well as pockets.
And now, your honour, wishing you all happiness with your lady,

"I beg to remain,

"Your very obedient humble Servant,

"Ferdinand De Courcy, etc."

Struck with the joyous countenance of my honest valet, as I took my
gloves and hat from his hand, I could not help wishing to bestow upon
him a similar blessing to that I was about to possess. "Bedos," said I,
"Bedos, my good fellow, you left your wife to come to me; you shall not
suffer by your fidelity: send for her--we will find room for her in our
future establishment."

The smiling face of the Frenchman underwent a rapid change. "Ma
foi," said he, in his own tongue; "Monsieur is too good. An excess of
happiness hardens the heart; and so, for fear of forgetting my gratitude
to Providence, I will, with Monsieur's permission, suffer my adored wife
to remain where she is."

After so pious a reply, I should have been worse than wicked had I
pressed the matter any farther.

I found all ready at Berkeley-square. Lady Glanville is one of those
good persons, who think a marriage out of church is no marriage at all;
to church, therefore, we went. Although Sir Reginald was now so reduced
that he could scarcely support the least fatigue, he insisted on giving
Ellen away. He was that