CHAPTER XXIV.
"All nations boast some men of nobler mind, Their scholars, heroes, benefactors kind: And Britain has her share among the rest, Of men the wisest, boldest and the best: Yet we of knaves and fools have ample share, And eccentricities beyond compare.
Full many a life is spent, and many a purse, In mighty nothings, or in something worse." THE next scene which Tom was anxious to introduce to his Cousin's notice was that of a Political Dinner; but while they were preparing for departure, a letter arrived which completely satisfied the mind of the Hon.

Tom Dashall as to the motives and views of their friend Sparkle, and ran as follows: "Dear Dashall, "Having rivetted the chains of matrimony on the religious anvil of Gretna Green, I am now one of the happiest fellows in existence.
My election is crowned with success, and I venture to presume all after-petitions will be rejected as frivolous and vexatious.

The once lovely Miss Mortimer is now the ever to be loved Mrs.Sparkle.I shall not now detain your attention by an account of our proceedings or adventures on the road: we shall have many more convenient opportunities of indulging in such details when we meet, replete as I can assure you they are with interest.
"I have written instructions to my agent in town for the immediate disposal of my paternal estate in Wiltshire, and mean hereafter to take up my abode on one I have recently purchased in the neighbourhood of Belville Hall, where I anticipate many pleasurable opportunities of seeing you and our friend Tallyho surrounding my hospitable and (hereafter) family board.

We shall be there within a month, as we mean to reach our place of destination by easy stages, and look about us.
"Please remember me to all old friends in Town, and believe as ever, Your's truly, "Charles Sparkle." "Carlisle." ~384 ~~ The receipt of this letter and its contents were immediately communicated to young Mortimer, who had already received some intelligence of a similar nature, which had the effect of allaying apprehension and dismissing fear for his Sister's safety.

The mysterious circumstances were at once explained, and harmony was restored to the previously agitated family.
"I am truly glad of this information," said Tom, "and as we are at present likely to be politically engaged, we cannot do less than take a bumper or two after dinner, to the health and happiness of the Candidate who so emphatically observes, he has gained his election, and, in the true language of every Patriot, declares he is the happiest man alive, notwithstanding the rivets by which he is bound." "You are inclined to be severe," said Tallyho.
"By no means," replied Dashall; "the language of the letter certainly seems a little in consonance with my observation, but I am sincere in my good wishes towards the writer and his amiable wife.