ts, mutual amiableness of disposition, harmony of thought, and
soundness of principles. Everything was propitious to the gentle flame
which was kindled in the vestal bosom of Chatterissa, and which was met
by a passion so ardent and so respectful, as that which glowed in the
heart of young No. 8 purple. The friends of the respective parties,
so soon as the budding sympathy between them was observed, in order to
prevent the blight of wishes so appropriate, had called in the aid of
the matrimonial surveyor-general of Leaphigh, an officer especially
appointed by the king in council, whose duty it is to take cognizance of
the proprieties of all engagements that are likely to assume a character
as grave and durable as that of marriage. Dr. Reasono showed me the
certificate issued from the Marriage Department on this occasion, and
which, in all his wanderings, he had contrived to conceal within the
lining of the Spanish hat the Savoyards had compelled him to wear, and
which he still preserved as a document that was absolutely indispensable
on his return to Leaphigh; else he would never be permitted to travel
afoot in company with two young people of birth and of good estates, who
were of the different sexes. I translate the certificate, as literally
as the poverty of the English language will allow.

Extract from the Book of Fitness, Marriage Department, Leaphigh, season
of nuts, day of brightness.

Vol. 7243, p. 82.

Lord Chatterino: Domains; 126,952 3/4 acres of land; meadow, arable and
wood in just proportions.

Lady Chatterissa: Domains; 115,999 1/2 acres of land; mostly arable.

Decree, as of record; it is found that the lands of my Lady Chatterissa
possess in quality what they want in quantity.

Lord Chatterino: Birth; sixteen descents pure; one bastardy--four
descents pure--a suspicion--one descent pure--a certainty.

Lady Chatterissa: Birth; six descents pure--three bastardies--eleven
descents pure--a certainty--a suspicion--unknown.

Decree as of record; it is found that the advantage is on the side of my
Lord Chatterino, but the excellence of the estate on the other side is
believed to equalize the parties.

(Signed) No. 6 ermine. A true copy.

(Counter signed) No. 1,000,003 ink-color.

Ordered, that the parties make the Journey of Trial together, under the
charge of Socrates Reasono, Professor of Probabilities in the University
of Leaphigh, LL.D., F. U. D. G. E., and of Mrs. Vigilance Lynx, licensed
du