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17 companion." Whittington's astonishment rendered him for some time speechless; the ladies wept without reserve; and Mr. Fitzwarren and the captain turned aside their heads, to hide a humane and manly tear, that would not be suppressed.

At length, “You, Sir," cried Whittington, "are much too good to sport with the unhappy, or to wound the defenceless. I therefore believe what you tell me to be true, because you tell it me; as unable as I am to comprehend wherefore such blessings are poured down on my head. Those trunks," continued he, pointing to them, "are marked, I see, as mine: but, oh, Sir, that mark is a false one!—they are yours and you must either deign to consider them as such, or their contents can never be enjoyed in any manner by me."



"Idle, idle," said Mr. Fitzwarren. “Do not, dearest Sir," resumed Whittington, “do not plunge me into despair do not drive me from your beloved presence, in the very moment you wish to see me happy. Allow me to be humble, your grateful friend, if such is your generous desire; but take the wealth, for your friendship is all the riches, all the honour, and all the happiness, I would obtain!" “Bravo! my dear Whittington," cried Mr. Fitzwarren: "and be your happiness whatever you choose to make it."

Whittington rose, and was preparing to retire to improve his dress. "Hold! hold!" said the captain: "these trunks are not all the king and queen have sent you. Holla, there!" cried he, to a sailor in the hall, “bring in that article." When, lo! what should present itself to the delighted eyes of Whittington, but the well-known wicker basket, out of which leaped Mrs. Puss, and paid her due compliments to the company; for