On proceeding with his toilet, in a very bright, cheerful and convenient dressing-room, he reconciled himself to the realities of life.

"Everything considered," he said to himself, combing out his yellow beard, "nothing but happiness has come to me.

Here I am in my native country, with my family and in a pretty house which is our own.
My father and mother are both well, and, for myself, I revel in the most luxuriant health.

Our fortune is moderate, but so are our tastes, and we shall never feel the want of anything.

Our friends received me yesterday with open arms; and as for enemies we have none.