ven after her marriage, that he had hurried her down into
the country, much against her own inclination, where their mutual
animosities had risen to such a height, that they preserved no decency
before company or servants, but abused one another in the grossest
terms.

This good old gentlewoman, to give me a convincing proof of my dear
Narcissa's unalterable love, gratified me with a sight of the last
letter she had favoured her with, in which I was mentioned with so much
honour, tenderness, and concern, that my soul was fired with impatience,
and I determined to ride all night, that I might have it the sooner in
my power to make her happy. Mrs. Sagely, perceiving my eagerness, and
her maternal affection being equally divided between Narcissa and me,
begged leave to remind me of the sentiments with which I went abroad,
that would not permit me for any selfish gratification to prejudice the
fortune of that amiable young lady, who must entirely depend upon me,
after having bestowed herself in marriage. I thanked her for her kind
concern, and as briefly as possible described my flourishing situation,
which afforded this humane person infinite wonder and satisfaction. I
told her, that now I had an opportunity to manifest my gratitude for
the many obligations I owed, I would endeavour to make her old age
comfortable and easy; as a step to which I proposed she should come
and live with Narcissa and me. This venerable gentlewoman was so much
affected with my words, that the tears ran down her ancient cheeks; she
thanked heaven that I had not belied the presages she had made, on her
first acquaintance with me; acknowledging my generosity, as she called
it, in the most elegant and pathetic expressions; but declined my
proposal, on account of her attachment to the dear melancholy cottage
where she had so peacefully consumed her solitary widowhood. Finding
her immovable on this subject, I insisted on her accepting a present of
thirty guineas, and took my leave, resolving to accommodate her with the
same sum annually, for the more comfortable support of the infirmities
of old age.

Having rode all night, I found myself at Canterbury in the morning,
where I alighted to procure fresh horses; and, as I walked into the inn,
perceived an apothecary's on the other side of the street, with the name
of Morgan over the door; alarmed at this discovery, I could not help
thinking that my old messmate had settled in this place, and upon
inqui