THE next morning as soon as I awoke I found my eldest son sitting by my bedside, who came to increase my joy with
another turn of fortune in my favor. First having released me from the settlement that I had made the day before in his favor, he
let me know that my merchant who had failed in town was arrested at Antwerp, and there had given up effects to a much
greater amount than what was due to his creditors. My boy's generosity pleased me almost as much as this unlooked-for good
fortune. But I had some doubts whether I ought in justice to accept his offer. While I was pondering upon this, Sir William
entered the room, to whom I communicated my doubts. His opinion was that as my son was already possessed of a very
affluent fortune by his marriage, I might accept his offer without any hesitation. His business, however, was to inform me that, as
he had the night before sent for the licenses, and expected them every hour, he hoped that I would not refuse my assistance in
making

all the company happy that morning. A footman entered while we were speaking, to tell us that the messenger was returned,
and as I was by this time ready I went down, where I found the whole company as merry as affluence and innocence could
make them. However, as they were now preparing for a very solemn ceremony, their laughter entirely displeased me. I told
them of the grave, becoming and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two
homilies and a thesis of my own composing, in order to prepare them. Yet they still seemed perfectly refractory and
ungovernable. Even as we were going along to church, to which I led the way, all gravity had quite forsaken them, and I was
often tempted to turn back in indignation. In church a new dilemma arose, which promised no easy solution. This was, which
couple should be married first. My son's bride warmly insisted that Lady Thornhill (that was to be) should take the lead; but this
the other refused with equal ardor, protesting she would not be guilty of such rudeness for the world. The argument was
supported for some time between both with equal obstinacy and good-breeding. But as I stood all this time with my book
ready, I was at last quite tired of the contest, and shutting it, "I perceive," cried I, "that none of you have a mind to be married,
and I think we had as good go back again; for I suppose there will be no business done here today." This at once reduced

them to reason. The baronet and his lady were first married, and then my son and his lovely partner.
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   I had previously that morning given orders that a coach should be sent for my honest neighbor Flamborough and his family,
by which means, upon our return to the inn, we had the pleasure of finding the two Miss Flamboroughs alighted before us. Mr.
Jenkinson

gave his hand to the eldest, and my son Moses led up the other (and I have since found that he has taken a real liking to the girl,
and my consent and bounty he shall have, whenever he thinks proper to demand them). We were no sooner returned to the inn,
but numbers of my parishioners, hearing of my success, came to congratulate me, but among the rest were those who rose to
rescue me, and whom I formerly rebuked with such sharpness. I told the story to Sir William, my son-in-law, who went out and
reproved them with great severity; but finding them quite disheartened by his harsh reproof, he gave them half-a-guinea a-piece
to drink his health and raise their dejected spirits.

   Soon after this we were called to a very genteel entertainment, which was dressed by Mr. Thornhill's cook. And it may not
be improper to observe with respect to that gentleman, that he now resides in quality of companion at a relation's house, being
very well liked, and seldom sitting at the side-table except when there is no room at the other; for they make no stranger of him.
His time is pretty much taken up in keeping his relation, who is a little melancholy, in spirits, and in learning to blow the French
horn. My eldest daughter, however, still remembers him with regret; and she has even told me, though I make a great secret of
it, that when he reforms she may be brought to relent.

   But to return, for I am not apt to digress thus, when we were to sit down to dinner, our ceremonies were going to be
renewed. The question was, whether my eldest daughter, as being a matron, should not sit above the two young brides; but the
debate was cut short by my son George, who proposed that the company should sit indiscriminately, every gentleman by his
lady. This was received with great approbation by all, excepting my wife, who, I could perceive, was not perfectly satisfied, as
she expected to have had the pleasure of sitting at the head of the table and carving all the meat for all the company. But
notwithstanding this, it is impossible to describe our good humor. I can't say whether we had more wit among us than usual; but
I am certain we had more laughing, which answered the end as well. One jest I particularly remember: old Mr. Wilmot drinking
to Moses, whose head was turned another way, my son replied: "Madam, I thank you." Upon which the old gentleman,
winking upon the rest of the company, observed that he was thinking of his mistress. At which jest I thought the two Miss
Flamboroughs would have died with laughing. As soon as dinner was over, according to my old custom, I requested that the
table might be taken away, to have the pleasure of seeing all my family assembled once more by a cheerful fireside. My two
little ones sat upon each knee, the company by their partners. I had nothing, now on this side of the grave to wish for; all my
cares were

over; my pleasure was unspeakable. It now only remained that my gratitude in good fortune should exceed my former
submission in adversity.