what in time must cloy;
Though novelty spread all its charms to view,
And men with eagerness those charms pursue;
One truth is clear, that by too frequent use,
They early death or mis'ry may produce."

~~371~~~ THE post of the following morning brought information for
Dashall and his friends, and no time was lost in breaking open the seals
of letters which excited the most pleasing anticipations. A dead
silence prevailed for a few minutes, when, rising almost simultaneously,
expressions of satisfaction and delight were interchanged at the
intelligence received.

Merry well's success had proved more than commensurate with his most
sanguine expectations. He had arrived at the residence of his dying
relative, just time enough to witness his departure from this sublunary
sphere, and hear him with his expiring breath say,--"All is thine;" and
a letter to each of his former friends announced the pleasure and
the happiness he should experience by an early visit to his estate,
declaring his determination to settle in the country, and no more become
a rambler in the labyrinths of London.

This was a moment of unexpected, though hoped for gratification. Sparkle
applauded the plan he intended to pursue.

Tallyho confessed himself tired of this world of wonders, and appeared
to be actuated by a similar feeling: he conceived he had seen enough of
the Life of a Rover, and seemed to sigh for his native plains again.

~~372~~~ Dashall's relish for novelty in London was almost subdued; and
after comparing notes together for a short time, it was mutually agreed
that they would dine quietly at home, and digest a plan for future
proceedings.

"Never," said Tom, "did I feel so strong an inclination to forego
the fascinating charms of a London Life as at the present moment;
and whether I renounce it altogether or not, we will certainly pay a
congratulatory visit to Merry well."

"Example," said Sparkle, endeavouring to encourage the feeling with
which his friend's last sentiment was expressed, "is at all times better
than precept; and retirement to domestic felicity is preferable to
revelry in splendid scenes of dissipation, which generally leads to
premature dissolution."

"Agreed," said Tom; "and happy is the man who, like yourself, has more
than self to think for.--Blest with a lovely and amiable wife, and an
ample fortune, no man upon earth can have a better chance of gliding
down the st