re myself, young ladies; for, had you seen me
then, you would have considered me now vastly ameliorated in outer
presentment. My double row of teeth were stowed away in my pocket, my
frisette was pushed back from my head by my recent fall, and my
gogs--the same my father wore before me--covered my face, and they alone
attracted attention, and created some excitement. But he went on
unmoved; and, in spite of many a captivating glance and smile from rows
of beautiful young maidens whom we met, and many a sneer from youths of
his own age, he sustained my feeble form with as much care as if I had
been an empress, and accommodated his buoyant step to the slow movement
which my infirmities compelled. Ah! what a spirit of conformity he
manifested! my knight of the rosy countenance! Could you have seen him,
Miss Catharina, or you, Miss Frances, your palpitating hearts would have
taken flight for ever. He was a paragon, indeed.

"Whither his own way tended I cannot say, for he moved in conformity to
mine, and left me not until I was safe at the abode of Mistress Clinton.
I hardly think he coveted my old heart, but I sometimes believe it
followed him, for truly he is still a frequent subject of my
meditations."

"Ah! then _that_ was his reward!" exclaimed Kitty.

"Not so, Miss Kitty; guess again."

"I can think of _nothing so desirable_, Miss Patty."

"His _fortune in life_, Miss Catharina--that was his reward; it may be
that he cannot yet estimate the full amount of his recompense."

"How so?" exclaimed Fanny.

"I will briefly narrate the rest. Mistress Clinton encouraged me always
to converse much in her presence. She knew my taste was disposed to
humour me, and I was pleased to be indulged. I told my story, and
enlarged upon the merits of my noble youth, and his wonderful spirit of
conformity. The squire, a gentleman who estimates good breeding, was
present, with his ears opened, when I recommended my knight, with all
the eloquence I could command; he was amused, interested, pleased. He
promised to see the boy, and did so; the noble features spake for
themselves, and gained him a situation as clerk; from which he has since
advanced in the ranks, until now he occupies the position of partner and
confidential agent in a creditable and wealthy house. Miss Isabella, it
would rejoice my heart to hear the latest tidings from Mr. William
Sullivan."

"He is well, I believe," said Isabella, sulkily. "I know nothing to the
con