To be possessed of all that's good, and after such an interval of pain! My warmest wishes could never rise so high!'-- 'Yes, my George,' returned his lovely bride, 'now let the wretch take my fortune; since you are happy without it so am I.O what an exchange have I made from the basest of men to the dearest best!--Let him enjoy our fortune, I now can be happy even in indigence.'-- 'And I promise you,' cried the 'Squire, with a malicious grin, 'that I shall be very happy with what you despise.'-- 'Hold, hold, Sir,' cried Jenkinson, 'there are two words to that bargain.

As for that lady's fortune, Sir, you shall never touch a single stiver of it.

Pray your honour,' continued he to Sir William, 'can the 'Squire have this lady's fortune if he be married to another ?'--'How can you make such a simple demand,' replied the Baronet, 'undoubtedly he cannot.'-- 'I am sorry for that,' cried Jenkinson; 'for as this gentleman and I have been old fellow spotters, I have a friendship for him.

But I must declare, well as I love him, that his contract is not worth a tobacco stopper, for he is married already.'-- 'You lie, like a rascal,' returned the 'Squire, who seemed rouzed by this insult, 'I never was legally married to any woman.'-- 'Indeed, begging your honour's pardon,' replied the other, 'you were; and I hope you will shew a proper return of friendship to your own honest Jenkinson, who brings you a wife, and if the company restrains their curiosity a few minutes, they shall see her.'-- So saying he went off with his usual celerity, and left us all unable to form any probable conjecture as to his design.--'Ay let him go,' cried the 'Squire, 'whatever else I may have done I defy him there.

I am too old now to be frightened with squibs.' 'I am surprised,' said the Baronet, 'what the fellow can intend by this.
Some low piece of humour I suppose!'-- 'Perhaps, Sir,' replied I, 'he may have a more serious meaning.