by the building of these gay vehicles,
their painting and ornamenting. How many are employed at the loom, and
at the needle, in making these costly dresses. This vanity is the cause
of wealth not being hoarded, but finding its way through various
channels, so as to produce comfort and happiness to thousands."

"Your observations are just, Japhet, but you have lived in the world and
seen much of it. I am as one just burst from an egg-shell, all
amazement. I have been living in a little world of my own thoughts,
surrounded by a mist of ignorance, and not being able to penetrate
farther, have considered myself wise when I was not."

"My dear Susannah, this is a checkered world, but not a very bad one--
there is in it much of good as well as evil. The sect to which you
belong, avoid it--they know it not--and they are unjust towards it.
During the time that I lived at Reading, I will candidly state to you
that I met with many who called themselves of the persuasion, who were
wholly unworthy of it, but they made up in outward appearance and
hypocrisy what they wanted in their conduct to their fellow creatures.
Believe me, Susannah, there are pious and good, charitable and humane,
conscientious and strictly honourable people among those who now pass
before your view in such gay procession; but society requires that the
rich should spend their money in superfluities, that the poor may be
supported. Be not deceived, therefore, in future, by the outward
garments, which avail nothing."

"You have induced me much to alter my opinions already, Japhet; so has
that pleasant friend of thine, Mr Masterton, who has twice called since
we have been in London; but is it not time that we should return?"

"It is indeed later than I thought it was, Susannah," lied I, looking at
my watch, "and I am afraid that my father will be impatient for my
return. I will order them to drive home."

As we drove along, leaning against the back of the carriage, my hand
happened to touch that of Susannah, which lay beside her on the cushion,
I could not resist taking it in mine, and it was not withdrawn. What my
thoughts were, the reader may imagine: Susannah's I cannot acquaint him
with; but in that position we remained in silence until the carriage
stopped at Cophagus's door. I handed Susannah out of the carriage, and
went up stairs for a few moments. Mrs Cophagus and her husband were
out.

"Susannah, this is very kind of you, and I return y