that I thought her a most imprudent, if not a very culpable young
woman, to have nosegays and letters sent to her, and so to destroy the
peace of families--for it was no use to tell me that she couldn't help
the gentleman sending them, that I _couldn't_ believe;--but nevertheless
if, as I believed, she was truly sorry for her conduct, I wouldn't have
the heart to throw her upon the wide, wide world; but would much rather
prefer to take her home with us, and--if she continued to behave
herself--to make her happy as the day was long. I said all this; but I
was sorry, really hurt to observe, that the young woman listened to a
good deal I said, like any stone. But then for gratitude, who's to
expect it?

We soon had everything packed, and I returned to FRED. Was ever anything
so provoking? Instead of MR. BLISS and that TRUEPENNY, came two letters
of apology. MR. BLISS had received a sudden call upon his attention that
he must obey, but hoped to be allowed to see FRED and "his charming
partner"--(and he'd thought nothing of making her a disconsolate
widow!)--some day at _The Flitch_. As for MR. TRUEPENNY, he declared to
FRED that "he had not the courage to meet his wife:" which I considered
a very proper compliment to my spirit. I scarcely thought the man had as
much remorse and proper feeling in him. And then he added--"P.S. I write
this upon my knees, sending my contrition to your estimable partner;
with an earnest prayer that, at some distant day, I may be permitted to
approach her at her own fireside. Dinner is beyond my ambition as above
my deserts: but, I trust, that after due time and penitence, I may hope
to be called to the tea-table. May hope still lift up her azure eyes to
muffins?"

"I really don't see anything to laugh at," said I to FRED, who was
mightily amused as he read the letter. And to say the truth I _was_ a
little vexed. Because I had made my mind up to show FRED how forgivingly
I could behave--and then to be disappointed of the opportunity _was_
vexing.

However, we lunched alone; paid the bill; and--shall I ever forget how I
jumped into the carriage? I seemed to have wings!--and away we trundled
homewards--homewards!

_Home._

I fairly cried with happiness when I crossed the threshold. When I dropt
in my chair at my fireside, I felt like the happiest Queen upon her
throne. How beautiful, too, everything looked! There seemed a bloom, a
brightness upon everything in the house; whilst the garden w