
believe it would not be an easy task to find such a number of individuals
assembled under one roof, more happy than we are at present.
    I must tell you, however, in confidence, I suspect Tabby of tergiversation.
- I have been so long accustomed to that original, that I know all the caprices
of her heart, and can often perceive her designs while they are yet in embrio -
She attached herself to Lismahago for no other reason but that she despaired of
making a more agreeable conquest. - At present, if I am not much mistaken in my
observation, she would gladly convert the widowhood of Baynard to her own
advantage. - Since he arrived, she has behaved very coldly to the captain, and
strove to fasten on the other's heart, with the hooks of over-strained civility.
- These must be the instinctive efforts of her constitution, rather than the
effects of any deliberate design; for matters are carried to such a length with
the lieutenant, that she could not retract with any regard to conscience or
reputation. Besides, she will meet with nothing but indifference or aversion on
the side of Baynard, who has too much sense to think of such a partner at any
time, and too much delicacy to admit a thought of any such connexion at the
present juncture - Meanwhile, I have prevailed upon her to let him have four
thousand pounds at four per cent. towards paying off his mortgage. Young
Dennison has agreed that Liddy's fortune shall be appropriated to the same
purpose, on the same terms. - His father will sell out three thousand pounds
stock for his accommodation. - Farmer Bland has, at the desire of Wilson,
undertaken for two thousand; and I must make an effort to advance what further
will be required to take my friend out of the hands of the Philistines. He is so
pleased with the improvements made on this estate, which is all cultivated like
a garden, that he has entered himself as a pupil in farming to Mr. Dennison, and
resolved to attach himself wholly to the practice of husbandry.
    Every thing is now prepared for our double wedding. The marriage-articles
for both couples are drawn and executed; and the ceremony only waits until the
parties shall have been resident in the parish the term prescribed by law. Young
Dennison betrays some symptoms of impatience; but, Lismahago bears this
necessary delay with the temper of a philosopher. - You must know, the captain
does not stand altogether on the foundation of personal merit. Besides his
half-pay, amounting to two and forty pounds a year,
