thing of this nature, that he did not think he ought, if it were but
in policy, to make the best of it. Nay, said Mr. Arthur, if you have
sinned, it is with your eyes open: for you know the world as well as any
gentleman of your years in it.'

'Why, really, gentlemen, said I, I should be glad to please all my
friends; but I can't expect, till they know my motives and inducements,
that it will be so immediately. But I do assure you, I am exceedingly
pleased myself; and that, you know, is most to the purpose.'

'Said Mr. Brooks, I have heard my wife praise your spouse that is, so
much for person and beauty, that I wanted to see her of all things. Why,
replied I, if you'll all go and take a dinner with me, you shall see
her with all my heart. And, Mrs. Arthur, will you bear us company? No,
indeed, sir, said she. What, I'll warrant, my wife will not be able to
reconcile you to my mother's waiting-maid; is not that it? Tell truth,
Mrs. Arthur. Nay, said she, I shan't be backward to pay your spouse a
visit, in company of the neighbouring ladies; but for one single woman
to go, on such a sudden motion too, with so many gentlemen, is not
right. But that need not hinder you, gentlemen. So, said he, the rest
sent, that they should not dine at home; and they and Mr. Chambers, a
gentleman lately settled in these parts, one and all came with me: And
so, my dear, concluded he, when you make your appearance next Sunday,
you're sure of a party in your favour; for all that see you must esteem
you.'

He went to them; and when I came down to dinner, he was pleased to take
me by the hand, at my entrance into the parlour, and said, My dear, I
have brought some of my good neighbours to dine with you. I said, You
are very good, sir.--My dear, this gentleman is Mr. Chambers; and so he
presented every one to me; and they saluted me, and wished us both joy.

I, for my part, said Mr. Brooks, wish you joy most heartily. My wife
told me a good deal of the beauties of your person; but I did not think
we had such a flower in our country. Sir, said I, your lady is very
partial to me; and you are so polite a gentleman, that you will not
contradict your good lady.

I'll assure you, madam, returned he, you have not hit the matter at all;
for we contradict one another twice or thrice a day. But the devil's
in't if we are not agreed in so clear a case!

Said Mr. Martin, Mr. Brooks says very true, madam, in both respects;
(meaning his wife's and his o