her son had returned. Being duly prepared,
she was blest with a sight of poor Greaves, and fainted away in his arms.
We shall not dwell upon this tender scene, because it is but of a
secondary concern in the history of our knight-errant. Let it suffice to
say, their mutual happiness was unspeakable. She was afterwards visited
by Sir Launcelot, whom she no sooner beheld, than springing forwards with
all the eagerness of maternal affection, she clasped him to her breast,
crying, "My dear child! my Launcelot! my pride! my darling! my kind
benefactor! This is not the first time I have hugged you in these arms!
Oh! you are the very image of Sir Everhard in his youth; but you have got
the eyes, the complexion, the sweetness, and complacency of my dear and
ever-honoured lady." This was not in the strain of hireling praise; but
the genuine tribute of esteem and admiration. As such, it could not but
be agreeable to our hero, who undertook to procure Oakley's discharge,
and settle him in a comfortable farm on his own estate.

In the meantime Greaves went with a heavy heart to the house of Farmer
Sedgemoor, where he found Suky, who had been prepared for his reception,
in a transport of joy, though very weak, and greatly emaciated.
Nevertheless, the return of her sweetheart had such an happy effect on
her constitution, that in a few weeks her health was perfectly restored.

This adventure of our knight was crowned with every happy circumstance
that could give pleasure to a generous mind. The prisoners were
released, and reinstated in their former occupations. The justice
performed his articles from fear; and afterwards turned over a new leaf
from remorse. Young Oakley was married to Suky, with whom he received a
considerable portion. The new-married couple found a farm ready stocked
for them on the knight's estate; and the mother enjoyed a happy retreat
in the character of housekeeper at Greavesbury Hall.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

IN WHICH OUR KNIGHT IS TANTALISED WITH A TRANSIENT GLIMPSE OF FELICITY.

The success of our adventurer, which we have particularised in the last
chapter, could not fail of enhancing his character, not only among those
who knew him, but also among the people of the town to whom he was not an
utter stranger. The populace surrounded the house, and testified their
approbation in loud huzzas. Captain Crowe was more than ever inspired
with veneration for his admired patron, and more than ever de