Marriage in certain ranks is on this footing.

A prince marries by proxy, and sometimes lives for ever after as if he thought all the obligations of wedlock were to be performed in a similar manner.

A nobleman, it is true, will here take the trouble to officiate in the first instance in person; but there are plenty of cases to shew that nothing is further from his noble mind than the idea of continuing his slavery, while others can be found to take the labour off his hands.

So numerous are the royal roads to every desideratum, and so averse is every true gentleman from doing any thing for himself, that it is to be dreaded lest it should grow impolite to chew one's own victuals; and we are aware that there are great numbers who, not getting their share of Heaven's provision, may be said to submit to have their food eat for them." ~375~~ Tallyho laugh'd, and Dashall signified his assent to the whimsical observations of Merrywell, by a shrug of the shoulders and an approving smile.
"Apropos," said Merrywell--"what is the news of our friend Sparkle ?" "O, (replied Tom) he is for trying a chance in the Lottery of Life, and has perhaps by this time gained the prize of Matrimony:{1} but what part of the globe he inhabits it is impossible for me to say--however, he is with Miss Mortimer probably on the road to Gretna." "Success to his enterprise," continued Merrywell; "and if they are destined to travel through life together, may they have thumping luck and pretty children.

Marriage to some is a bitter cup of continued misery--may the reverse be his lot." "Amen," responded Dashall.
"By the way," said Merrywell, "I hope you will favour me with your company for the afternoon, and I doubt not we shall start some game within these walls well worthy of pursuit; and as I intend to remove to more commodious apartments within a day or two, I shall certainly expect to have a visit from you during my abode in the county of Surrey." "Going to College ?" inquired Tom.
"Yes; I am off upon a sporting excursion for a month or two, and I have an idea of making it yield both pleasure and profit.