You think this strange, perhaps, but it is not less true for all that--a five thousand pounder, I'll assure you, besides expectations.

For my own part, devil take me if I know what any woman can see engaging about me--but a whim, you know--and then one would not balk one's good fortune.

You saw that footman who dined with us--he's one of the honestest fellows that ever wore livery.

You must know it was by his means I was introduced to her, for he made me first acquainted with her woman, who is his mistress--ay, many a crown has he and his sweetheart had of my money--but what of that?
things are now brought to a bearing.
I have--( come a little this way) I have proposed marriage, and the day is fixed--she's a charming creature, and writes like an angel! She can repeat all the English tragedies as well as ever a player in Drury Lane!-and, indeed, is so fond of plays, that to be near the stage she has taken lodgings in a court hard by the theatre; but you shall see--you shall see--here's the last letter she sent me." With these words, he put it into my hand, and I read (to the best of my remembrance) as follows: 'Dear Creeten--As you are the animable hopjack of my contemplayshins, your aydear is infernally skimming before my keymerycal fansee, when Murfy sends his puppies to the heys of slipping mortals; and when Febus shines from his merry dying throne; whereupon I shall canseif old time has lost his pinners, as also cubit his harrows, until thou enjoy sweet propose in the loafseek harms of thy very faithfool to commend, Clayrender Wingar Yard, Drury Lane, January 12th.' While I was reading, he seemed to be in an ecstasy, rubbing his hands, and bursting out into fits of laughter; at last he caught hold of my hand, and squeezing it, cried, "There--a style for you! What do you think of this billet-doux ?" I answered, "It might be ablime for aught I knew, for it was altogether above my comprehension." "Oh, ho!" said he, "I believe it is--both tender and sublime; she's a divine creature! and so doats upon me! Let me see--what shall I do with this money, when I have once got it into my hands?
In the first place, I shall do for you.
I'm a man of few words---but say no more that's determined; whether would you advise me, to purchase some post, by which I may rise in the state, or lay out my wife's fortune in land, and retire to the country at once ?" I gave my opinion without hesitation, that he could not do better than buy an estate and improve; especially since he had already seen so much of the world.

Then I launched out into the praises of a country life, as described by the poets whose works I had read.