hack, they in a
short time arrived at Piccadilly.

CHAPTER XIX

"'If in Real Life's chapter you e'er tind a blank,
'Tis yourself and you only you justly can thank;
For to him who is willing--there's no need to stand,
Since enough may be found 'twixt Mile End and the Strand
To instruct, to inform, to disgust or invite,
To deplore, to respect, to regret or delight."

"'Tis in London where unceasing novelty grows,
Always fresh--and in bloom like the opening rose;
But if to the rose we its sweetness compare,
"fis as freely confess'd many thorus gather there;
And if to avoid the latter you're prone,
'Tis at least quite as well, where they are, should be known."

~~255~~~ The arrival at Piccadilly turned out to be truly agreeable
to our friends, who were scarcely dressed and seated at the
breakfast-table, before they were surprised by the unexpected appearance
of an old friend, whose company and conversation had upon many occasions
afforded them so much pleasure and information. This was no other than
Sparkle.

"My dear boy," said the Hon. Tom Dashall, "you are welcome to the scene
of former gratifications. How is your better half, and all friends in
the country--any increase in the family? Why you look as healthy as
Hygeia, and as steady as old time."

"I confess," replied Sparkle, "you ask so many questions upon important
subjects in one breath, that I am quite deficient of wind to answer them
seriatim. You must therefore take an answer in two words--all's right."

"Enough," replied Tom, "then I am content; but how, what,--are you in
town alone?"

"You shall know all in time, but don't drive on too hard. I am glad to
meet you again in the regions of fun, frolic, and humour, of which I
doubt not there is, as there always was, a plentiful stock. Glad to see
you both in good health and tip-top spirits. I have only come to pass
a fortnight with you; and as I intend to make the utmost use of every
minute of the time, don't let us waste in empty words what would be
better employed in useful deeds."

~~256~~~ "Useful deeds," re-echoed Tom, "useful deeds--that savours of
reflection. I thought you were fully aware it is an article considered
of little value in the labyrinths of London; but since you are become,
as I may venture to presume, a useful man, what may be the objects upon
which you prop