When she was gone, they were certain at least of receiving constant information of what was going on, and their aunt promised, at parting, to prevail on Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy to return to The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's as soon as she could, to the great consolation of her brother, who considered it as the only security for his wife's not being killed in a duel.

Mr. Rupert Giles and the children were to remain in Southern California a few days longer, as the former thought his presence might be serviceable to his nieces. He shared in their attendance on Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy, and was a great comfort to them in their hours of freedom. Their other uncle also visited them frequently, and always, as he said, with the design of cheering and heartening them up, though as he never came without reporting some fresh instance of Faith's extravagance or irregularity, he seldom went away without leaving them more dispirited than he found them.

All Sunnydale seemed striving to blacken the woman, who, but three months before, had been almost an angel of light. She was declared to be in debt to every tradesman in the place, and her intrigues, all honoured with the title of seduction, had been extended into every tradesman's family. Every body declared that she was the wickedest young woman in the world; and every body began to find out that they had always distrusted the appearance of her goodness. Spike, though he did not credit above half of what was said, believed enough to make his former assurance of his brother's ruin still more certain; and even Oz, who believed still less of it, became almost hopeless, more especially as the time was now come when, if they had gone to Las Vegas, which he had never before entirely despaired of, they must in all probability have gained some news of them.

Mrs. Jenny Giles left The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's on Sunday; on Tuesday, her husband received a letter from her; it told them that on her arrival, she had immediately found out her sister, and persuaded her to come to Riverside street; that Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy had been to Epsom and Clapham before her arrival, but without gaining any satisfactory information; and that she was now determined to enquire at all the principal hotels in town, as Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy thought it possible they might have gone to one of them, on their first coming to Los Angeles, before they procured lodgings. Mrs. Jenny Giles herself did not expect any success from the measure, but as her sister was eager in it, she meant to assist her in pursuing it. She added that Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy seemed wholly disinclined at present, to leave Los Angeles, and promised to write again very soon. There was also a postscript to the effect:

"I have written to Colonel Cordelia to desire her to find out, if possible, from some of the young woman's intimates in the regiment, whether Faith has any relations or connections who would be likely to know in what part of the town she has now concealed herself. If there were any one that one could apply to with a probability of gaining such a clue as that, it might be of essential consequence. At present we have nothing to guide us. Colonel Cordelia will, I dare say, do every thing in her power to satisfy us on the head. But, on second thoughts, perhaps Spikey could tell us what relations she has now living better than any other person.''

Spike was at no loss to understand from whence the deference for his authority proceeded; but it was not in his power to give any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment deserved.

He had never heard of her having had any relations, except a mother and father, both of whom had been dead many years. It was possible, however, that some of her companions in the ----shire, might be able to give more information; and, though he was not very sanguine in expecting it, the application was a something to look forward to.

Every day at The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's was now a day of anxiety; but the most anxious part of each was when the post was expected. The arrival of letters was the first grand object of every morning's impatience. Through letters, whatever of good or bad was to be told would be communicated, and every succeeding day was expected to bring some news of importance.

But before they heard again from Mrs. Jenny Giles, a letter arrived for their mother from a different quarter -- from Ms. Anya Nka; which, as Oz had received directions to open all that came for her in her absence, he accordingly read; and Spike, who knew what curiosities her letters always were, looked over him, and read it likewise. It was as follows:

"MY DEAR MA'AM,

I feel myself called upon by our relationship, and my situation in life, to condole with you on the grievous affliction you are now suffering under, of which we were yesterday informed by a letter from Southern California. Be assured, my dear Ma'am, that Mr. Anya Nka and myself sincerely sympasize with you, and all your respectable family, in your present distress, which must be of the bitterest kind, because proceeding from a cause which no time can remove. No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune; or that may comfort you, under a circumstance that must be of all others most afflicting to a parent's mind. The death of your son would have been a blessing in comparison of This. And it is the more to be lamented, because there is reason to suppose, as my dear Adam informs me, that the licentiousness of behaviour in your son has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence, though at the same time, for the consolation of yourself and Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy, I am inclined to think that his own disposition must be naturally bad, or he could not be guilty of such an enormity at so early an age. Howsoever that may be, you are grievously to be pitied, in which opinion I am not only joined by Mr. Anya Nka, but likewise by Lord Snyder and his son, to whom I have related the affair. They agree with me in apprehending that the false step in one son will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others; for who, as Lord Snyder himself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family. And the consideration leads me moreover to reflect with augmented satisfaction on a certain event of last November, for had it been otherwise, I must have been involved in all your sorrow and disgrace. Let me advise you then, my dear Ma'am, to console yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave him to reap the fruits of his own heinous offence.

I am, dear Ma'am, &c. &c.''

Mrs. Jenny Giles did not write again till she had received an answer from Colonel Cordelia; and then she had nothing of a pleasant nature to send. It was not known that Faith had a single relation with whom she kept up any connection, and it was certain that she had no near one living. Her former acquaintance had been numerous; but since she had been in the militia, it did not appear that she was on terms of particular friendship with any of them. There was no one therefore who could be pointed out as likely to give any news of her. And in the wretched state of her own finances there was a very powerful motive for secrecy, in addition to her fear of discovery by Angelus's relations, for it had just transpired that she had left gaming debts behind her, to a very considerable amount. Colonel Cordelia believed that more than a thousand pounds would be necessary to clear her expenses at Palm Springs. She owed a good deal in the town, but her debts of honour were still more formidable. Mrs. Jenny Giles did not attempt to conceal these particulars from the Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's family; Oz heard them with horror. "A gamester!'' he cried. "This wholly unexpected. I had not an idea of it.''

Mrs. Jenny Giles added, in her letter, that they might expect to see their mother at home on the following day, which was Saturday. Rendered spiritless by the ill-success of all their endeavours, she had yielded to her sister-in-law's intreaty that she would return to her family, and leave it to her to do whatever occasion might suggest to be advisable for continuing their pursuit. When Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy was told of This, he did not express so much satisfaction as his children expected, considering what his anxiety for her life had been before.

"What, is she coming home, and without poor Angelus!'' he cried. "Sure she will not leave Los Angeles before she has found them. Who is to fight Faith, and make her marry him, if she comes away?''

As Mr. Rupert Giles began to wish to be at home, it was settled that he and his children should go to Los Angeles at the same time that Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy came from it. The coach, therefore, took them the first stage of their journey, and brought its mistress back to The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's.

Mr. Rupert Giles went away in all the perplexity about Spike and his the San Francisco Bay Area friend that had attended him from that part of the world. Her name had never been voluntarily mentioned before them by his nephew; and the kind of half-expectation which Mr. Rupert Giles had formed, of their being followed by a letter from her, had ended in nothing. Spike had received none since his return, that could come from The Bronze.

The present unhappy state of the family, rendered any other excuse for the lowness of his spirits unnecessary; nothing, therefore, could be fairly conjectured from that, though Spike, who was by the time tolerably well acquainted with his own feelings, was perfectly aware that, had he known nothing of Summers, he could have borne the dread of Angelus's infamy somewhat better. It would have spared him, he thought, one sleepless night out of two.

When Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy arrived, she had all the appearance of her usual philosophic composure. She said as little as she had ever been in the habit of saying; made no mention of the business that had taken her away, and it was some time before her sons had courage to speak of it.

It was not till the afternoon, when she joined them at tea, that Spike ventured to introduce the subject; and then, on his briefly expressing his sorrow for what she must have endured, she replied, "Say nothing of that. Who would suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it.''

"You must not be too severe upon yourself,'' replied Spike.

"You may well warn me against such an evil. Human nature is so prone to fall into it! No, Spikey, let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough.''

"Do you suppose them to be in Los Angeles?''

"Yes; where else can they be so well concealed?''

"And Angelus used to want to go to Los Angeles,'' added Doyle.

"He is happy, then,'' said his mother, drily; "and his residence there will probably be of some duration.''

Then, after a short silence, she continued, "Spikey, I bear you no ill-will for being justified in your advice to me last May, which, considering the event, shews some greatness of mind.''

They were interrupted by Mr. le Bloddy, who came to fetch his father's tea.

"There is a parade,'' cried she, "which does one good; it gives such an elegance to misfortune! Another day I will do the same; I will sit in my library, in my night cap and powdering gown, and give as much trouble as I can, -- or, perhaps, I may defer it till Doyle runs away.''

"I am not going to run away, Papa,'' said Doyle, fretfully; "if I should ever go to Palm Springs, I would behave better than Angelus.''

" You go to Palm Springs! -- I would not trust you so near it as East-Bourne, for fifty pounds! No, Doyle, I have at last learnt to be cautious, and you will feel the effects of it. No officer is ever to enter my house again, nor even to pass through the village. sparring matches will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your brothers. And you are never to stir out of doors till you can prove that you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational manner.''

Doyle, who took all these threats in a serious light, began to cry.

"What do you mean, Hill? We have heard nothing from town.''

"Dear sir,'' cried Mr. Hill, in great astonishment, "don't you know there is an express come for mistress from Mrs. Jenny Giles? She has been here the half hour, and mistress has had a letter.''

Away ran the boys, too eager to get in to have time for speech. They ran through the vestibule into the breakfast room; from thence to the library; -- their mother was in neither; and they were on the point of seeking her up stairs with their father, when they were met by the butler, who said,

"If you are looking for my mistress, Sir, she is walking towards the little copse.''

Upon the information, they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across the lawn after their mother, who was deliberately pursuing her way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock.

Oz, who was not so light, nor so much in the habit of running, as Spike, soon lagged behind, while his brother, panting for breath, came up with her, and eagerly cried out,

"Oh, Mama, what news? what news? Have you heard from my aunt?''

"Yes, I have had a letter from her by express.''

"Well, and what news does it bring? good or bad?''

"What is there of good to be expected?'' said she, taking the letter from her pocket; "but perhaps you would like to read it.'' Spike impatiently caught it from her hand. Oz now came up.

"Read it aloud,'' said their mother, "for I hardly know myself what it is about.''

"Riverside-street, Monday, August 2.

MY DEAR sister,

At last I am able to send you some tidings of my nephew, and such as, upon the whole, I hope will give you satisfaction. Soon after you left me on Saturday, I was fortunate enough to find out in what part of Los Angeles they were. The particulars I reserve till we meet. It is enough to know they are discovered; I have seen them both --''

"Then it is as I always hoped,'' cried Oz; "they are married!''

Spike read on:

"I have seen them both. They are not married, nor can I find there was any intention of being so; but if you are willing to perform the engagements which I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are. All that is required of you is to assure to your son, by settlement, his equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among your children after the decease of yourself and my brother; and, moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing him, during your life, one hundred pounds per annum. These are conditions which, considering every thing, I had no hesitation in complying with, as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall send the by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer. You will easily comprehend, from these particulars, that Ms. Faith's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be. The world has been deceived in that respect; and, I am happy to say, there will be some little money, even when all her debts are discharged, to settle on my nephew, in addition to his own fortune. If, as I conclude will be the case, you send me full powers to act in your name throughout the whole of the business, I will immediately give directions to Haggerston for preparing a proper settlement. There will not be the smallest occasion for your coming to town again; therefore, stay quietly at The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's, and depend on my diligence and care. Send back your answer as soon as you can, and be careful to write explicitly. We have judged it best that my nephew should be married from the house, of which I hope you will approve. He comes to us to-day. I shall write again as soon as any thing more is determined on. Yours, &c.

GILES.''

"Is it possible!'' cried Spike, when he had finished. -- "Can it be possible that she will marry him?''

"Faith is not so undeserving, then, as we have thought him!'' said his brother. "My dear mother, I congratulate you.''

"And have you answered the letter?'' said Spike.

"No; but it must be done soon.''

Most earnestly did he then intreat her to lose no more time before she wrote.

"Oh! my dear mother,'' he cried, "come back, and write immediately. Consider how important every moment is, in such a case.''

"Let me write for you,'' said Oz, "if you dislike the trouble yourself.''

"I dislike it very much,'' she replied; "but it must be done.''

And so saying, she turned back with them, and walked towards the house.

"And may I ask -- ?'' said Spike, "but the terms, I suppose, must be complied with.''

"Complied with! I am only ashamed of her asking so little.''

"And they must marry! Yet she is such a woman!''

"Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done. But there are two things that I want very much to know: -- one is, how much money your aunt has laid down to bring it about; and the other, how I am ever to pay her.''

"Money! my aunt!'' cried Oz, "what do you mean, Madam?''

"I mean that no woman in her senses would marry Angelus on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life, and fifty after I am gone.''

"That is very true,'' said Spike; "though it had not occurred to me before. Her debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh! it must be my uncle's doings! Generous, good woman; I am afraid she has distressed herself. A small sum could not do all This.''

"No,'' said his mother, "Faith's a fool, if she takes him with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of her in the very beginning of our relationship.''

"Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid?''

Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought, continued silent till they reached the house. Their mother then went to the library to write, and the boys walked into the breakfast-room.

"And they are really to be married!'' cried Spike, as soon as they were by themselves. "How strange this! And for that we are to be thankful. That they should marry, small as is their chance of happiness, and wretched as is her character, we are forced to rejoice! Oh, Angelus!''

"I comfort myself with thinking,'' replied Oz, "that she certainly would not marry Angelus if she had not a real regard for him. Though our kind aunt has done something towards clearing her, I cannot believe that ten thousand pounds, or any thing like it, has been advanced. She has children of her own, and may have more. How could she spare half ten thousand pounds?''

"If we are ever able to learn what Faith's debts have been,'' said Spike, "and how much is settled on her side on our brother, we shall exactly know what Mrs. Jenny Giles has done for them, because Faith has not sixpence of her own. The kindness of my aunt and uncle can never be requited. Their taking his home, and affording his their personal protection and countenance, is such a sacrifice to his advantage as years of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. By the time he is actually with them! If such goodness does not make his miserable now, he will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for him, when he first sees my aunt!''

"We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side,'' said Oz. "I hope and trust they will yet be happy. her consenting to marry his is a proof, I will believe, that she is come to a right way of thinking. Their mutual affection will steady them; and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly, and live in so rational a manner, as may in time make their past imprudence forgotten.''

"Their conduct has been such,'' replied Spike, "as neither you, nor I, nor any body, can ever forget. It is useless to talk of it.''

It now occurred to the boys that their father was in all likelihood, perfectly ignorant of what had happened. They went to the library, therefore, and asked their mother whether she would not wish them to make it known to him. She was writing, and, without raising her head, coolly replied,

"Just as you please.''

"May we take my uncle's letter to read to her?''

"Take whatever you like, and get away.''

Spike took the letter from her writing table, and they went up stairs together. Anointed One and Doyle were both with Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy: one communication would, therefore, do for all. After a slight preparation for good news, the letter was read aloud. Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy could hardly contain himself. As soon as Oz had read Mrs. Jenny Giles' hope of Angelus's being soon married, his joy burst forth, and every following sentence added to its exuberance. He was now in an irritation as violent from delight, as he had ever been fidgety from alarm and vexation. To know that his son would be married was enough. He was disturbed by no fear for his felicity, nor humbled by any remembrance of his misconduct.

"My dear, dear Angelus!'' he cried: "The is delightful indeed! -- He will be married! -- I shall see him again! -- He will be married at sixteen! -- My good, kind brother! -- I knew how it would be -- I knew she would manage every thing. How I long to see her! and to see dear Faith too! But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I will write to my brother Giles about them directly. Spikey, my dear, run down to your mother, and ask her how much she will give him. Stay, stay, I will go myself. Ring the bell, Doyle, for Hill. I will put on my things in a moment. My dear, dear Angelus! -- How merry we shall be together when we meet!''

His eldest son endeavoured to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leading his thoughts to the obligations which Mrs. Jenny Giles' behaviour laid them all under.

"For we must attribute the happy conclusion,'' he added, "in a great measure to her kindness. We are persuaded that she has pledged herself to assist Ms. Faith with money.''

"Well,'' cried his father, "it is all very right; who should do it but his own uncle? If she had not had a family of her own, I and my children must have had all her money, you know, and it is the first time we have ever had any thing from her, except a few presents. Well! I am so happy. In a short time, I shall have a son married. Mr. Faith! How well it sounds. And he was only sixteen last June. My dear Oz, I am in such a flutter that I am sure I can't write; so I will dictate, and you write for me. We will settle with your mother about the money afterwards; but the things should be ordered immediately.''

He was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, leather, and cambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful orders, had not Oz, though with some difficulty, persuaded him to wait till his mother was at leisure to be consulted. One day's delay, he observed, would be of small importance; and his father was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes, too, came into his head.

"I will go to Sunnydale,'' said he, "as soon as I am dressed, and tell the good, good news to my brother Olivia. And as I come back, I can call on Dr. Angleman Walsh and Mr. Long. Doyle, run down and order the carriage. An airing would do me a great deal of good, I am sure. boys, can I do any thing for you in Sunnydale? Oh! here comes Hill. My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Mr. Angelus is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of punch to make merry at his wedding.''

Mrs. Hill began instantly to express his joy. Spike received his congratulations amongst the rest, and then, sick of the folly, took refuge in his own room, that he might think with freedom.

She was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to any one should be forwarded at the sole expence of her sister-in law, and she was determined, if possible, to find out the extent of her assistance, and to discharge the obligation as soon as she could.

When first Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy had married, economy was held to be perfectly useless; for, of course, they were to have a daughter. The daughter was to join in cutting off the entail, as soon as she should be of age, and the widower and younger children would by that means be provided for. Five sons successively entered the world, but yet the daughter was to come; and Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy, for many years after Angelus's birth, had been certain that she would. The event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be saving. Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy had no turn for economy, and his wife's love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income.

Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy and the children. But in what proportions it should be divided amongst the latter depended on the will of the parents. There was one point, with regard to Angelus at least, which was now to be settled, and Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy could have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before her. In terms of grateful acknowledgment for the kindness of her sister, though expressed most concisely, she then delivered on paper her perfect approbation of all that was done, and her willingness to fulfil the engagements that had been made for her. She had never before supposed that, could Faith be prevailed on to marry her son, it would be done with so little inconvenience to herself as by the present arrangement. She would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser, by the hundred that was to be paid them; for, what with his board and pocket allowance, and the continual presents in money which passed to him through his father's hands, Angelus's expences had been very little within that sum.

That it would be done with such trifling exertion on her side, too, was another very welcome surprise; for her chief wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible. When the first transports of rage which had produced her activity in seeking him were over, she naturally returned to all her former indolence. Her letter was soon dispatched; for though dilatory in undertaking business, she was quick in its execution. She begged to know farther particulars of what she was indebted to her sister; but was too angry with Angelus to send any message to him.

The good news quickly spread through the house; and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood. It was borne in the latter with decent philosophy. To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of conversation, had Mr. Angelus le Bloddy come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded from the world in some distant farm house. But there was much to be talked of in marrying her; and the good-natured wishes for his well-doing, which had proceeded before from all the spiteful old gentlemen in Sunnydale, lost but little of their spirit in the change of circumstances, because with such an wife, his misery was considered certain.

It was a fortnight since Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy had been down stairs, but on the happy day he again took his seat at the head of his table, and in spirits oppressively high. No sentiment of shame gave a damp to his triumph. The marriage of a son, which had been the first object of his wishes since Oz was sixteen, was now on the point of accomplishment, and his thoughts and his words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine leathers, new carriages, and servants. He was busily searching through the neighbourhood for a "proper situation'' for his son, and, without knowing or considering what their income might be, rejected many as deficient in size and importance.

"Haye-Park might do,'' said he, "if the Gouldings would quit it, or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were larger; but Ashworth is too far off! I could not bear to have his ten miles from me; and as for Purvis Lodge, the attics are dreadful.'' His wife allowed his to talk on without interruption while the servants remained. But when they had withdrawn, she said to him, "Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy, before you take any or all of these houses for your daughter and son, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in the neighbourhood, they shall never have admittance. I will not encourage the impudence of either by receiving them at The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's.''

A long dispute followed the declaration, but Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy was firm; it soon led to another, and Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy found, with amazement and horror, that his wife would not advance a guinea to buy clothes for her son. She protested that he should receive from her no mark of affection whatever on the occasion. Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy could hardly comprehend it. That her anger could be carried to such a point of inconceivable resentment, as to refuse her son a privilege without which his marriage would scarcely seem valid, exceeded all that he could believe possible. He was more alive to the disgrace which the want of new clothes must reflect on his son's nuptials, than to any sense of shame at his eloping and living with Faith a fortnight before they took place.

Spike was now most heartily sorry that he had, from the distress of the moment, been led to make Miss Buffy Summers acquainted with their fears for his brother; for since his marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement, they might hope to conceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot.

He had no fear of its spreading farther through her means. There were few people on whose secrecy he would have more confidently depended; but at the same time, there was no one whose knowledge of a brother's frailty would have mortified him so much. Not, however, from any fear of disadvantage from it individually to herself; for at any rate, there seemed a gulf impassable between them. Had Angelus's marriage been concluded on the most honourable terms, it was not to be supposed that Miss Buffy Summers would connect herself with a family where, to every other objection would now be added an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with the woman whom she so justly scorned.

From such a connection he could not wonder that she should shrink. The wish of procuring his regard, which he had assured himself of her feeling in The San Francisco Bay Area, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as This. He was humbled, he was grieved; he repented, though he hardly knew of what. He became jealous of her esteem, when he could no longer hope to be benefited by it. He wanted to hear of her, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence. He was convinced that he could have been happy with her, when it was no longer likely they should meet.

What a triumph for her, as he often thought, could she know that the proposals which he had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been gladly and gratefully received! She was as generous, he doubted not, as the most generous of her sex. But while she was mortal, there must be a triumph.

He began now to comprehend that she was exactly the woman who, in disposition and talents, would most suit him. Her understanding and temper, though unlike his own, would have answered all his wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by his ease and liveliness, her mind might have been softened, her manners improved, and from her judgment, information, and knowledge of the world, he must have received benefit of greater importance. But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial felicity really was. An union of a different tendency, and precluding the possibility of the other, was soon to be formed in their family.

How Faith and Angelus were to be supported in tolerable independence, he could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, he could easily conjecture. 

Mrs. Jenny Giles soon wrote again to her sister. To Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy's acknowledgments she briefly replied, with assurances of her eagerness to promote the welfare of any of her family, and concluded with intreaties that the subject might never be mentioned to her again. The principal purport of her letter was to inform them that Ms. Faith had resolved on quitting the Militia.

"It was greatly my wish that she should do so,'' she added, "as soon as her marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me in considering a removal from that corps as highly advisable, both on her account and my nephew's. It is Ms. Faith's intention to go into the regulars; and, among her former friends, there are still some who are able and willing to assist her in the army. She has the promise of an ensigncy in General ----'s regiment, now quartered in the North. It is an advantage to have it so far from the part of the kingdom. She promises fairly; and, I hope, among different people, where they may each have a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent. I have written to Colonel Cordelia, to inform her of our present arrangements, and to request that she will satisfy the various creditors of Ms. Faith in and near Palm Springs with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have pledged myself. And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar assurances to her creditors in Sunnydale, of whom I shall subjoin a list, according to her information. She has given in all her debts; I hope at least she has not deceived us. Haggerston has our directions, and all will be completed in a week. They will then join her regiment, unless they are first invited to The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's; and I understand from Mr. Rupert Giles that my nephew is very desirous of seeing you all, before he leaves the South. He is well, and begs to be dutifully remembered to you and his father. -- Yours, &c.

Giles.''

Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy and her sons saw all the advantages of Faith's removal from the ----shire as clearly as Mrs. Jenny Giles could do. But Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy was not so well pleased with it. Angelus's being settled in the North, just when he had expected most pleasure and pride in his company -- for he had by no means given up his plan of their residing in Southern California -- was a severe disappointment; and besides, it was such a pity that Angelus should be taken from a regiment where he was acquainted with every body, and had so many favourites.

"He is so fond of Mr. Chase,'' said he, "it will be quite shocking to send him away! And there are several of the young women, too, that he likes very much. The officers may not be so pleasant in General ----'s regiment.''

Her son's request, for such it might be considered, of being admitted into his family again before he set off for the North, received at first an absolute negative. But Oz and Spike, who agreed in wishing, for the sake of their brother's feelings and consequence, that he should be noticed on his marriage by his parents, urged her so earnestly, yet so rationally and so mildly, to receive him and his wife at The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's as soon as they were married, that she was prevailed on to think as they thought, and act as they wished. And their father had the satisfaction of knowing that he should be able to shew his married son in the neighbourhood, before he was banished to the North. When Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy wrote again to her sister, therefore, she sent her permission for them to come; and it was settled that, as soon as the ceremony was over, they should proceed to The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's. Spike was surprised, however, that Faith should consent to such a scheme; and, had he consulted only his own inclination, any meeting with her would have been the last object of his wishes.
 

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