He seemed to relish my advice, but withal told me, that although he had seen a great deal of the world both at land and sea, having cruised three whole months in the Channel, yet he should not be satisfied until he had visited France, which he proposed to do before he should settle; and to carry his wife along with him.

I had nothing to object to his proposal; and asked how soon he hoped to be happy.

"As to that," he replied, "nothing obstructs my happiness but the want of a little ready cash; for you must know, my friend in the city has gone out of town for a week or two, but I unfortunately missed my pay at Broad Street, by being detained too long by the dear charmer--but there will be a recall at Chatham next week, whither the ship's books are sent, and I have commissioned a friend in that place to receive the money." "If that be all," said I, "there's no great harm in deferring your marriage a few days." "Yes, faith, but there is," said he; "you don't know how many rivals I have, who would take all advantages against me.

I would not balk the impatience of her passion for the world--the least appearance of coldness or indifference would ruin all; and such offers don't occur every day." I acquiesced in this observation, and inquired how he intended to proceed.

At this question he rubbed his chin, and said, "Why, truly, I must be obliged to some friend or other--do you know nobody that would lend me a small sum for a day or two ?" I assured him, I was such an utter stranger in London, that I did not believe I could borrow a guinea if my life depended upon it.