--besides, I must ask leave."

"Does he ever tell you anything about yourself?"

"A great deal--it is our principal topic of conversation; but he always
begins it, lest my modesty should prevent any intercourse on the
subject."

"What has he said?"

"A great deal: he has inspired me with hope, even instilled into me some
ambition: he has tried to impart to me an admiration of all that is true,
and to awaken a detestation of all that is mean and pettifogging. I
never look at him but I see the symbol of all that is noble, grand and
brave: he is the emblem of stability, friendship and affection; a
monument of courage, honesty, and fidelity; he is the type of manly
independence and self-reliance. I am glad, therefore, that under his
beautiful branches, and within his protecting presence, two young hearts
have again met and pledged, as I believe they have, their troth, honestly
resolving to battle together against the storms of life, rooted in
stedfast love, and rejoicing in the sunshine of the Creator's smiles!"

After these observations, which were received with marked approval, I
again gave myself up to the soft influence of a dreamy repose.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

A consultation as to new lodgings.--Also a consultation with counsel.

It was a subject of grave discussion between the Bumpkins and Joe, as to
where would be the best place for the plaintiff to lodge on his next
visit to London. If he had moved in the upper ranks of life, in all
probability he would have taken Mrs. Bumpkin to his town house: but being
only a plain man and a farmer, it was necessary to decide upon the most
convenient, and at the same time, inexpensive locality.

Mrs. Bumpkin, who, of course, knew all about her husband's adventures,
was strongly opposed to his returning to the Goose. Never had created
thing lost so much in her estimation by mere association as this domestic
bird. Joe was a fine soldier, no doubt, but it was the Goose that had
taken him in.

Curiously enough, as they were discussing this important question, who
should come in but honest Lawyer Prigg himself.

What a blessing that man seemed to be, go where he would! Why, he spread
an air of hope and cheerfulness over this simple household the moment he
entered it! But the greatest virtue he dispensed was resignation; he had
a large stock of this on hand. He always preached it: "resignation to
the will of Providence;" resignation to him, Prigg!

So when he