s of the country. It must be a wonderful
place, and although the free Government we now enjoy makes fewer people
wish to go over there, yet many are tempted, from time to time, from the
accounts they receive from their friends settled there."

Jack's next inquiry was about Mr Gournay at Norwich. He could only
learn that a foreign lady and gentleman were residing at his house, but
not a word about Elizabeth could they tell him. He concluded that they
alluded to Monsieur and Madame de Mertens, but they were not aware even
that they had a daughter, nor could they give him any account of the
arrival of their supposed daughter.

Jack's visit to Jasper and Alethea and to cousin Nat must be briefly
passed over.

Having spent a few days at Nottingham he became eager to visit Norwich.
He found Will Brinsmead, who, in spite of his age, continued his
journeys through the country, about to set off in that direction. Will
begged that he would give him the honour of his company, but Jack
laughingly assured him, that though he should have great delight in
talking over old days, his eagerness to reach Norwich would not allow
him to jog along behind the cattle. He, however, rode a few miles with
him, when just as the old man was beginning one of his lectures on the
"Pilgrim's Progress," Jack, shaking him warmly by the hand, pushed on
his steed in advance of the herd.

On making himself known to Mr Gournay, he was received in the kindest
way by him and his wife; but Jack's astonishment and disappointment was
very great when he found that they had not received the accounts he had
sent home of his discovery of Elizabeth, and of her proposed return with
Mistress Pearson, under charge of Captain Davis, to England. Monsieur
and Madame de Mertens were residing, he found, in a small house in
Norwich, and they also had not received either his letter or one from
Captain Davis. His heart sank within him. What was he now to do? The
more he had of late thought of Elizabeth, the more completely he found
that she had entwined herself round his heart, and he had anticipated
the delight of meeting her again and receiving her as his bride from the
hands of her parents. All these delightful visions had now vanished.
Monsieur and Madame de Mertens received him with every expression of
regard and affection.

"I can never forget the important service you rendered me in restoring
to me my husband," said Madame de Mertens, "and I feel sure that,