Anerley, it
concerns you also, as a military man, and loyal soldier of King George.
A gallant young officer (highly distinguished in his own way, and very
likely to get on, in virtue of high connection) became of age some few
weeks back; and being the heir to large estates, determined to entail
them. I speak as in a parable. My meaning is one which the ladies will
gracefully enter into. Being a large heir, he is not selfish, but would
fain share his blessings with a little one. In a word, he is to marry a
very beautiful young lady to-morrow, and under my agency. But he has
a very delightful mother, and an aunt of a lofty and commanding mind,
whose views, however, are comparatively narrow. For a hasty, brief
season, they will be wroth; and it would be unjust to be angry with
them. But love's indignation is soon cured by absence, and tones down
rapidly into desire to know how the sinner is getting on. In the present
case, a fortnight will do the business; or if for a month, so much the
better. Heroes are in demand just now; and this young gentleman took
such a scare in his very first fight that he became a hero, and so has
behaved himself ever since. Ladies, I am astonished at your goodness in
not interrupting me. Your minds must be as practical as my own. Now this
lovely young pair, being married to-morrow, will have to go hunting for
the honey in the moon, to which such enterprises lead."

"Sir, you are very right," Squire Popplewell replied; and, "That is
Bible truth," said the farmer.

"Our minds are enlarged by experience," resumed the genial factor,
pleasantly, and bowing to the ladies, who declined to say a word until
a better opportunity, "and we like to see the process going on with
others. But a nest must be found for these young doves--a quiet one, a
simple one, a place where they may learn to put up with one another's
cookery. The secret of happiness in this world is not to be too
particular. I have hit upon the very place to make them thankful
by-and-by, when they come to look back upon it--a sweet little hole,
half a league away from anybody. All is arranged--a frying-pan, a
brown-ware tea-pot, a skin of lard, a cock and a hen, to lay some eggs;
a hundredweight of ship biscuits, warranted free from weevil, and a
knife and fork. Also a way to the sea, and a net, for them to
fish together. Nothing more delightful can be imagined. Under such
circumstances, they will settle, in three days, which is to be
the m