r saw joined. I told him, I was highly obliged
to his kind opinion, and good wishes; and hoped my future conduct would
not make me unworthy of them.

My good benefactor came in with Mr. Williams: So, my dear life, said he,
how do you do? A little more composed, I hope. Well, you see this is not
so dreadful an affair as you apprehended.

Sir, said Mr. Peters, very kindly, it is a very solemn circumstance; and
I love to see it so reverently and awfully entered upon. It is a most
excellent sign; for the most thoughtful beginnings make the most prudent
proceedings.

Mrs. Jewkes, of her own accord, came in with a large silver tumbler,
filled with sack, and a toast, and nutmeg, and sugar; and my master
said, That's well thought of, Mrs. Jewkes; for we have made but sorry
breakfasting. And he would make me, take some of the toast; as they all
did, and drank pretty heartily: and I drank a little, and it cheered my
heart, I thought, for an hour after.

My master took a fine diamond ring from his finger, and presented it to
Mr. Peters, who received it very kindly. And to Mr. Williams he said,
My old acquaintance, I have reserved for you, against a variety of
solicitations, the living I always designed for you; and I beg you'll
prepare to take possession of it; and as the doing it may be attended
with some expense, pray accept of this towards it; and so he gave him
(as he told me afterwards it was) a bank note of 50l.

So did this generous good gentleman bless us all, and me in particular;
for whose sake he was as bounteous as if he had married one of the
noblest fortunes.

So he took his leave of the gentlemen, recommending secrecy again, for
a few days, and they left him; and none of the servants suspected any
thing, as Mrs. Jewkes believes. And then I threw myself at his feet,
blessed God, and blessed him for his goodness; and he overwhelmed me
with kindness, calling me his sweet bride, and twenty lovely epithets,
that swell my grateful heart beyond the power of utterance.

He afterwards led me to the chariot; and we took a delightful tour round
the neighbouring villages; and he did all he could to dissipate those
still perverse anxieties that dwell upon my mind, and, do what I can,
spread too thoughtful an air, as he tells me, over my countenance.

We came home again by half an hour after one; and he was pleasing
himself with thinking, not to be an hour out of my company this blessed
day, that (as he was so good as to