fir-grove.

Here we are again, Edward! you see we have been pretty quick in our motions; and thereby hangs a tale, with which you shall be entertained in due order. – But first, let me tell you, that, on our ride from Leeds to Doncaster, I rallied poor Charles so unmercifully he scarce knew whether to take it in jest or earnest. He is pretty fiery, you know, and, I believe, was more than once half tempted to treat the matter seriously, and give me a challenge: but he reserved this display of his prowess for another occasion, – a laughable one to me, as I hope it will prove to you. Here follows an account of the whole affair, which, I have the satisfaction to tell you, ended without bloodshed on either side.

The vast concourse of people usually drawn together by the pleasures of the turf, occasioned/ the Inns, at Doncaster, to be very full; and obliged us to permit two gentlemen-officers to join us at meals. - We found their company very agreeable the first day, nor indeed was I less pleased with them the second; but unfortunately for Charles, just after we had dined, a waiter entered with Colonel Atkin's compliments to Major Herbert and the company, and requested to be admitted to join the party; the request was complied with, and he entered: but had not sat long when the Major said to him,

‘Come, Colonel, the glass stands with you, – give us your mistress; – by the way, I think you are much obliged to me for introducing you to one charming enough to hold you so long in her silken bandage.’

‘You are mistaken, Major,’ returned he, ‘the jade's extravagance has almost ruined me; and yet I could not muster up courage to throw her off; and I have been as henpecked as any poor dog in the world ever was. - Had I been married to her she could not have tyrannized more; but now, thank my good stars, I have got my release,/ - at least I intend to make use of it in that way.