em which Joey did
not expect to find, such as a store of sheets, table linen, and all
Spikeman's clothes, which he had discarded when he went up to London,
some silver spoons, and a variety of little odds and ends; in short,
Spikeman had left our hero everything as it stood. Joey put his money
away, and then went to bed, and slept as serenely as the largest landed
proprietor in the kingdom. When he awoke next morning, our hero began
to reflect upon what he should do. He was not of Spikeman's opinion
that a travelling tinker was the next thing to a gentleman, nor did he
much like the idea of rolling the wheel about all his life;
nevertheless, he agreed with Spikeman that it was a trade by which he
could earn his livelihood, and if he could do no better, it would always
be a resource. As soon as he had taken his breakfast, he sat down and
wrote to Mary, acquainting her with all that had taken place, and
stating what his own feelings were upon his future prospects. Having
finished his letter, he dressed himself neatly, and went out to call
upon the widow James. Miss Ophelia and Miss Amelia were both at home.

"Well, Master Atherton, how do you do? and pray where is Mr Spikeman?"
said both the girls in a breath.

"He is a long way from this!" replied Joey.

"A long way from this! Why, has he not come back with you?"

"No! and I believe he will not come back any more. I am come, as his
agent, to take possession of his property."

"Why, what has happened?"

"A very sad accident," replied our hero, shaking his head; "he fell--"

"Fell!" exclaimed the two girls in a breath.

"Yes, fell in love, and is married."

"Well now!" exclaimed Miss Ophelia, "only to think!"

Miss Amelia said nothing.

"And so he is really married?"

"Yes; and he has given up business."

"He did seem in a great hurry when he last came here," observed Amelia.
"And what are you going to do?"

"I am not going to follow his example just yet," replied Joey.

"I suppose not; but what are you going to do?" replied Ophelia.

"I shall wait here for his orders; I expect to hear from him. Whether I
am to remain in this part of the country, or sell off and join him, or
look out for some other business, I hardly know; I think myself I shall
look out for something else; I don't like the cutlery line and
travelling for orders. How is your mamma, Miss Ophelia?"

"She is very well, and has gone to market. Well, I never did expect to
hear of