ream of life, surrounded by all the enjoyments it can
afford--while I------"

"Oh, what a lost mutton am I!"

Sparkle could scarcely forbear laughing at his friend, though he was
unable to discover whether he was speaking seriously or ironically; he
therefore determined to rally him a little.

"How," said he, "why you are growing serious and sentimental all at
once: what can be the cause of this change of opinion so suddenly?"

"My views of life," replied Dashall, "have been sufficient to convince
me that a Like in London is the high road to Death. I have, however,
tried its vagaries in all companies, in all quarters; and, as the Song
says,

"Having sown my wild oats in my youthful days, I wish to live happily
now they are done."

By this time Sparkle was convinced that Dashall was speaking the real
sentiments of his mind, and congratulated him upon them.

~~373~~~ Tallyho expressed himself highly delighted with the information
he had acquired during his stay in London, but could not help at the
same time acknowledging, that he had no wish to continue in the same
course much longer: it was therefore agreed, that on that day fortnight
they would leave the metropolis for the residence of Merrywell, and
trust the future guidance of their pursuits to chance.

"It would argue a want of loyalty," said Tom, "if we did not witness the
royal departure for Scotland before we quit town; and as that is to take
place on Saturday next, we will attend the embarkation of his Majesty at
Greenwich, and then turn our thoughts towards a country life."

Sparkle was evidently gratified by this determination, though he could
hardly persuade himself it was likely to be of long duration; and Bob
inwardly rejoiced at the expression of sentiments in exact accordance
with his own. At a moment when they were all absorbed in thoughts of
the future, they were suddenly drawn to the present by a man passing the
window, bawling aloud--"Buy a Prap--Buy a Prap."

"What does the fellow mean?" interrupted Tallyho.

"Mean," said Dashall, "nothing more than to sell his clothes props."

"Props," replied Bob, "but he cries praps; I suppose that is a new style
adopted in London."

"Not at all," continued Sparkle; "the alteration of sound only arises
from an habitual carelessness, with which many of what are termed the
London Cries are given; a sort of tone or jargon which is acquired by
continually calling the same thing--and in which you will fin