My Sister run away, my Uncle run after her--Sparkle absent, and Merrywell--" "In the hands of the Nab-men--I see it all clear enough; and you have given a very concise, but comprehensive picture of your own situation; but don't despair, man, you will yet find all right, be assured; put yourself under my guidance, let the world wag as it will; it is useless to torment yourself with things you cannot prevent or cure.
"The right end of life is to live and be jolly." ~355~~ Mortimer scarcely knew how to relish this advice, and seemed to doubt within himself whether it was meant satirically or feelingly, till Dashall whispered in his ear a caution not to betray the circumstances that had transpired, for his Sister's sake.

"But," continued he, "I never suffer these things, which are by no means uncommon in London, to interfere with my pursuits, though we are all somewhat at a loss.
However, as the post is in by this time, some news may be expected, and we will call at home before we proceed any further .-- Where do you think the Colonel is gone to ?" "Heaven only knows," replied Mortimer; "the whole family is in an uproar of surmise and alarm,--what may be the end of it I know not." "A pretty breeze Master Sparkle has kick'd up, indeed," continued Tom; "but I have for some time noticed an alteration in him.

He always was a gay trump, and whenever I find him seriously inclined, I suspect some mischief brewing; for rapid transitions always wear portentous appearances, and your serious files are generally sly dogs.

My life for it they have stolen a march upon your Uncle, queered some country Parson, and are by this time snugly stowed away in the harbour of matrimony.

As for Merrywell, I dare be sworn his friends will take care of him." Expectation was on tiptoe as Dashall broke the seal of a letter that was handed to him on arrival at home.