consignee of several large establishments abroad, and was making a rapid
fortune. His establishment was also on a very different scale, every
department being appointed with elegance and conducive to luxury. As I
pulled up the river something within my breast told me that the
Dominie's prophecy would turn out correct, and that I should one day
repent of my having refused the advances of Mr Drummond--nay, I did not
exactly know whether I did not, even at that moment, very much doubt the
wisdom of my asserting my independence.

And now, reader, that I may not surfeit you with an uninteresting
detail, you may allow nearly two years to pass away before I recommence
my narrative. The events of that time I shall sum up in one or two
pages. The Dominie continued the even tenor of his way--blew his nose
and handled his rod with as much effect as ever. I seldom passed a
Sunday without paying him a visit, and benefiting by his counsel. Mr
Turnbull was always kind and considerate, but gradually declining in
health, having never recovered from the effects of his submersion under
the ice. Of the Drummonds I saw but little; when we did meet, I was
kindly received, but I never volunteered a call, and it was usually from
a message through Tom that I went to pay my respects. Sarah had grown a
very beautiful girl, and the well-known fact of Mr Drummond's wealth,
and her being an only daughter, was an introduction to a circle much
higher than they had been formerly accustomed to. Every day, therefore,
the disparity increased, and I felt less inclined to make my appearance
at their house.

Stapleton, as usual, continued to smoke his pipe and descant upon _human
natur'_. Mary had grown into a splendid woman, but coquettish as ever.
Poor Tom Beazeley was fairly entrapped by her charms, and was a constant
attendant upon her, but she played him fast and loose--one time
encouraging and smiling on him, at another rejecting and flouting him.
Still Tom persevered, for he was fascinated, and having returned me the
money advanced for his wherry, he expended all his earnings on dressing
himself smartly, and making presents to her. She had completely grown
out of any control from me, and appeared to have a pleasure in doing
everything she knew I disapproved; still, we were on fair friendly terms
as inmates of the same house.

Old Tom Beazeley's board was up, and he had met with great success; and
all day he might be seen hammering at the