way with his new
friends, leaving me forlorn enough. My Sister run away, my Uncle run
after her--Sparkle absent, and Merrywell--"

"In the hands of the Nab-men--I see it all clear enough; and you have
given a very concise, but comprehensive picture of your own situation;
but don't despair, man, you will yet find all right, be assured; put
yourself under my guidance, let the world wag as it will; it is useless
to torment yourself with things you cannot prevent or cure.

"The right end of life is to live and be jolly."

~355~~ Mortimer scarcely knew how to relish this advice, and seemed to
doubt within himself whether it was meant satirically or feelingly, till
Dashall whispered in his ear a caution not to betray the circumstances
that had transpired, for his Sister's sake. "But," continued he, "I
never suffer these things, which are by no means uncommon in London,
to interfere with my pursuits, though we are all somewhat at a loss.
However, as the post is in by this time, some news may be expected, and
we will call at home before we proceed any further.--Where do you think
the Colonel is gone to?"

"Heaven only knows," replied Mortimer; "the whole family is in an uproar
of surmise and alarm,--what may be the end of it I know not."

"A pretty breeze Master Sparkle has kick'd up, indeed," continued Tom;
"but I have for some time noticed an alteration in him. He always was
a gay trump, and whenever I find him seriously inclined, I suspect
some mischief brewing; for rapid transitions always wear portentous
appearances, and your serious files are generally sly dogs. My life
for it they have stolen a march upon your Uncle, queered some country
Parson, and are by this time snugly stowed away in the harbour of
matrimony. As for Merrywell, I dare be sworn his friends will take care
of him."

Expectation was on tiptoe as Dashall broke the seal of a letter that
was handed to him on arrival at home. Mortimer was on the fidget, and
Tallyho straining his neck upon the full stretch of anxiety to hear
the news, when Dashall burst into a laugh, but in which neither of the
others could join in consequence of not knowing the cause of it. In a
few minutes however the mystery was in some degree explained.

"Here," said Tom, "is news--extraordinary news--an official dispatch
from head-quarters, but without any information as to where the tents
are pitched. It is but a short epistle." He then read aloud,

"Dear Dashall,

"Please inf