e, for the first time in my life, I am nearly happy."

"Happy? Would that I were! Happy? It is a word which I seldom have use
for," said Sir Asinus, dangling his legs and sighing piteously.

"Why not endeavor to use it?"

"I cannot."

"Come and laugh with us at Shadynook."

"I no longer laugh."

"You weep?"

"No: my grief is too deep for tears--it is dried up--I mean the
tears."

"Poor fellow!"

"There you are pitying my afflictions--spare me!"

"I do pity you. To see the noble and joyous Sir Asinus grow
melancholy--to see those legs, which erst glided through the minuet
and reel, now dangling wearily--to see that handsome visage so drawn
down; is there no occasion for pity?"

And Jacques sighed.

"Well, well," said Sir Asinus, "I am glad you came, spite of your
unworthy banter, you unfeeling fellow. I wish to send some messages to
my friends."

"What are they?"

"First, to Belle-bouche--love and remembrance."

"That is beautiful; and I never knew these words yet fail to touch the
heart."

"To all the boys, the fond regards of him who goes from them--a martyr
to the attempt to uphold their rights."

"That is affecting too."

"To the little dame who passed with you some days ago--Miss Martha
Wayles by name--but no; nothing to her."

And Sir Asinus groaned.

"Nothing?" said Jacques.

"No; the memory of my love for her shall never grieve her; let us say
no more, Jacques, my friend. I have finished."

"And what do you leave to me?" said Jacques.

"My affection."

"I would prefer that violin."

"No, no, my friend; it will comfort me on my voyage. Now farewell!"

"Shall I see you no more?"

"No more."

"Why?"

"Do I not depart to-day?"

"True, true," said Jacques; "and if you really must go, farewell.
Write to me."

"Let us embrace."

"Willingly."

And Sir Asinus caught his friend in his arms and sniffled.

Jacques, with his head over his friend's shoulder, chuckled.

"Now farewell," said Sir Asinus; "perhaps some day I may
return--farewell."

And covering his eyes, he turned away.

Jacques took out his pocket-handkerchief--pressed his friend's hand
for the last time, and departed.

He mounted his horse, gathered up the reins, and set forward again
toward Shadynook, leaving the disconsolate Sir Asinus to finish his
preparations for departure in his beautiful sail-boat the _Rebecca_.

Poor Sir Asinus! He had not the courage to call it the _Martha_:
disappointed in love