Who was this taking upon himself to bless my little heart and prophesy that I should be proud?
Then all of a sudden it occurred to me this remark may have been intended to refer not to me, but to the "little chap" the gentleman had just now spoken of.

So I recovered my composure, especially when I saw what a kind, gentle face my purchaser had.
He chose a neat, strong silver chain which was forthwith, in accordance with the barbarous practice of the age, fixed to my poor neck.

I could not help sighing as I felt for the first time the burden of bondage.
What had I done to be thus chained like a Roman captive, like a dog, like a parrot?
But it was no use being in a rage.

I swallowed my indignation as well as I could, and consoled myself with the reflection that every watch, even gold repeaters themselves, are subject to the same hardship.
Ah! I was young then, and my knowledge of the world was small.

Many a time since I have blessed the chain that held me, just as the ship, could it speak, would bless the cable that saved it from the rocks.
Take the advice of an old ticker, you young watches, and instead of rebelling against your chains, rather hope they may be strong and sound in every link! "That will be just five pounds, won't it ?" said my purchaser.