ship
before her, thought I.) "He is a pleasant horse in single harness,"
continued Felworth; "and, if he did kick the market-cart to pieces, it
was owing to the carelessness of the servant in letting the reins fall
down about his feet. And if he did upset the gig and break my
collar-bone, it was my own fault. I knew he could not bear the sudden
opening out of an umbrella; and I ought to have called out to the man,
or turned the horse's head away. He is an excellent leader in tandem,
and very safe. He is certainly playful in starting with the other
horse behind him; but then we know his ways. But you will have ocular
demonstration of his performance in that way to-morrow, for I am
obliged to attend at sessions, in a village about seven miles off, and
we shall drive over after breakfast. Your curiosity about 'Units' is
now, I am sure, more than satisfied."

CHAPTER V.

As we were entering the house, Felworth informed me that Mrs and Miss
Vernon were to join their family party at dinner that day; and that we
would be obliged to walk home with them in the evening. The time
passed most agreeably, and the walk was delightful! I shall not
attempt to describe the younger lady, for no words of mine can do her
justice. A great variety of the fairest and loveliest of the sex have
been depicted by writers of fiction from Sir Walter Scott downwards:
and few young gentlemen exist who have not at some time been "over
head and ears" in love. Now, it is a matter of fact, that the latter
look upon their Lucys, or Amys, or Dianas (for the time being) as
considerably excelling any of those with whose verbal portraiture they
are familiar. Need I say that I formed any exception? On that
moonlight night, as I parted from her, I felt satisfied that there was
no more lovely person in the world than Alice Vernon.

The first words spoken on our return were by Felworth. "Perhaps you
are aware that Miss Vernon has a large fortune?"

Rather surprised by the abruptness of the remark, I answered that I
was so; but that I would admire her just as much if she had not a
farthing in the world.

"I have no doubt you would," was my companion's reply; "but that is
not the matter in consideration at present. I merely wish to tell you
an anecdote of Lieutenant Flixton. He is very easily roused, but soon
calms again. On this hint I spoke; and in the evening of the day of
the river business, as he and I were sitting together, I delicately
hinted to him