lord, but myself; and my mother died in the East Indies."

"Then, I presume, from what I know at the board of control, that you may
_now_ safely be introduced as a young gentleman of large fortune; allow
me, at least, to assist your father in placing you in your proper sphere
in society. Where is your father?"

"At present, my lord, he is staying at the Adelphi Hotel, confined to
his room by an accident; but I trust that in a few days he will be able
to come out."

"Will you offer my congratulations to him, and tell him, that if he will
allow me, I will have the honour of paying my respects to him. Will you
dine with me on Monday next?"

I returned my thanks, accepted the invitation, and took my leave, his
lordship saying, as he shook hands with me, "You don't know, how happy
this intelligence has made me. I trust that your father and I shall be
good friends."

When I returned to the carriage, as my father had desired me to take an
airing, I thought I might as well have a companion, so I directed them
to drive to Mr Cophagus's. The servant knocked, and I went in as soon
as the door was opened. Susannah and Mrs Cophagus were sitting in the
room.

"Susannah," said I, "I know you do not like to walk out, so I thought,
perhaps, you would have no objection to take an airing in the carriage:
my father has lent it to me. Will you come?--it will do you good."

"It is very kind of you, Japhet, to think of me; but--"

"But what?" replied Mrs Cophagus. "Surely thou wilt not refuse,
Susannah. It would savour much of ingratitude on thy part."

"I will not then be ungrateful," replied Susannah, leaving the room; and
in a short time she returned in a Leghorn bonnet and shawl like her
sister's. "Do not I prove that I am not ungrateful, Japhet, since to do
credit to thy carriage, I am content to depart from the rules of our
persuasion?" said Susannah, smiling.

"I feel the kindness and the sacrifice you are making to please me,
Susannah," replied I; "but let us lose no time."

I handed her down to the carriage, and we drove to the Park. It was a
beautiful day, and the Park was filled with pedestrians as well as
carriages. Susannah was much astonished, as well as pleased. "Now,
Susannah," said I, "if you were to call this Vanity Fair, you would not
be far wrong; but still, recollect that even all this is productive of
much good. Reflect how many industrious people find employment and
provision for their families