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 ther overclouded. Let us see a glimpse of sunshine in the last chapter; it is quite essential."

Nothing would be more easy for me, madam, than to comply with your injunctions; for, in truth, the parties in whom you have had the goodness to be interested, did live long and happily, and begot sons and daughters."

"It is unnecessary, sir," she said, with a slight nod of reprimand, "to be particular concerning their matrimonial comforts.—But what is your objection to let us have, in a general way, a glimpse of their future felicity?"

"Really, madam, you must be aware, that every volume of a narrative turns less and less interesting as the author draws to a conclusion, just like your tea, which, though excellent, is necessarily weaker and more insipid in the last cup. Now, as I think the one is by no means improved by the luscious lump of half-dissolved sugar usually found at the bottom of