“He must have witnessed many love scenes!”
“Does he ever tell you anything about yourself?”
“A great deal—it is our principal topic of conversation; but he always begins it, lest my modesty should prevent any intercourse on the subject.”
“A great deal: he has inspired me with hope, even instilled into me some ambition: he has tried to impart to me an admiration of all that is true, and to awaken a detestation of all that is mean and pettifogging. I never look at him but I see the symbol of all that is noble, grand and brave: he is the emblem of stability, friendship and affection; a monument of courage, honesty, and fidelity; he is the type of manly independence and self-reliance. I am glad, therefore, that under his beautiful branches, and within his protecting presence, two young hearts have again met and pledged, as I believe they have, their troth, honestly resolving to battle together against the storms of life, rooted in stedfast love, and rejoicing in the sunshine of the Creator’s smiles!”
After these observations, which were received with marked approval, I again gave myself up to the soft influence of a dreamy repose.
A consultation as to new lodgings.—Also a consultation with counsel.
It was a subject of grave discussion between the Bumpkins and Joe, as to where would be the best place for the plaintiff to lodge on his next visit to London. If he had moved in the upper ranks of life, in all probability he would have taken Mrs. Bumpkin to his town house: but being only a plain man and a farmer, it was necessary to decide upon the most convenient, and at the same time, inexpensive locality.
Mrs. Bumpkin, who, of course, knew all about her husband’s adventures, was strongly opposed to his returning to the Goose. Never had created thing lost so much in her estimation by mere association as this domestic bird. Joe was a fine soldier, no doubt, but it was the Goose that had taken him in.
Curiously enough, as they were discussing this important question, who should come in but honest Lawyer Prigg himself.
What a blessing that man seemed to be, go where he would! Why, he spread an air of hope and cheerfulness over this simple household the moment he entered it! But the greatest virtue he dispensed was resignation; he had a large stock of this on hand. He always preached it: “resignation to the will of Providence;” resignation to him, Prigg!