She consulted her dear knight on the subject, and he catechised the lawyer, who pleaded guilty.

The captain being sounded as to his opinion, declared he would be steered in that, as well as every other course of life, by Sir Launcelot and his lady, whom he verily revered as being of an order superior to the ordinary race of mankind.

This favourable response being obtained from the sailor, our hero took an opportunity on the road, one day after dinner, in presence of the whole company, to accost the lawyer in these words: "My good friend Clarke, I have your happiness very much at heart--your father was an honest man, to whom my family had manifold obligations.

I have had these many years a personal regard for yourself, derived from your own integrity of heart and goodness of disposition--I see, you are affected, and shall be brief -- Besides this regard, I am indebted to your friendship for the liberty-- what shall I say ?--for the inestimable happiness I now enjoy, in possessing the most excellent--But I understand that significant glance of my Aurelia, I will not offend her delicacy--The truth is, my obligation is very great, and it is time I should evince my gratitude-- If the stewardship of my estate is worth your acceptance, you shall have it immediately, together with the house and farm of Cockerton in my neighbourhood.

I know you have a passion for Mrs.Dolly; and believe she looks upon you with the eyes of tender prepossession--don't blush, Dolly -- Besides your agreeable person, which all the world must approve, you can boast of virtue, fidelity, and friendship.