a Colonel Willer—an excellent match. It has made us
all happy."
The next day we drove out, not in an open carriage
as before, but in a chariot and with a pair ofhorses.
"These are handsome horses," observed I.
" Yes," replied he, " I am fond of good horses ; and,
as I only keep a pair, I have the best. There is a certain degree of pretension in four horses, I do not much
like it appears as if you wished to overtop your neighbors."
I spent a few very pleasant days, and then quitted his
hospitable roof. A severe cold, caught that winter, induced me to take the advice of the physicians, and proceed to the south of France, where I remained two
years. On my return, I was informed that Willemott
had speculated, and had been unlucky on the Stock
Exchange ; that he had left Richmond, and was now
living at Clapham. The next day I met him near the
Exchange.
"Reynolds, I am happy to see you. Thompson told
me that you had come back. If not better engaged, come
down to see me ; I will drive you down at four o'clock,
if that will suit."
It suited me very well ; and, at four o'clock, I met
him, according to appointment, at a livery stable over the
Iron Bridge. His vehicle was ordered out ; it was a phaeton drawn by two long-tailed ponies-altogether a very
neat concern-we set off at a rapid pace.
"They step out well, don't they ? We shall be down
in plenty time to put on a pair of shoes by five o'clock,
which is our dinner time. Late dinners don't agree
with me-they produce indigestion. Of course you know Louisa has a little boy." I did not ; but congratulated him. "Yes ; and has now gone out to India with her husband. Mary is also engaged to be married—a very good match-a Mr. Rivers, in the law. He has been called to the bar this year, and promises well. They will be a little pinched at first, but we must see what we can do for them." We stopped at a neat row of houses, I forget the name, and, as we drove up, the servant, the only man servant, came out, and took the ponies round to the stable, while the maid received my luggage, and one or two paper bags, containing a few extras for the occasion. I was met with the same warmth us usual by Mrs. Willemott. The house was small but very neat ; the remnants of former grandeur appeared here and there, in one or two little articles, favorites of the lady. We sat down at five o'clock to a plain dinner, and were attended by the footman, who had rubbed down the ponies and pulled on his livery. "A good, plain cook is the best thing after all," observed Willemott. " Your fine cooks won't condescend to roast and boil. Will you take some of this sirloin ?
23
the under-cut is excellent. My dear, give Mr. Reynolds some Yorkshire pudding." When we were left alone after dinner, Willemott told me, very unconcernedly of his losses. "It was my own fault," said he ; " I wished to make up a little sum for the girls, and, risking what they would have had, I left them almost pennyless. However, we can always command a bottle of port and a beefsteak, and what more in this world can you have ? Will you take port or white ? I have no claret to offer you." We finished our port, but I could perceive no difference in Willemott. He was just as happy and as cheerful as ever. He drove me to town the next day. During our drive, he observed, " I like ponies, they are so little trouble ; and I prefer them to driving one horse in this vehicle, as I can put my wife and daughters into it. It's selfish to keep a carriage for yourself alone, and one horse in a four-wheeled double chaise appears like an imposition upon the poor animal." I went to Scotland, and remained about a year. On my return, I found that my friend Willemott had again shifted his quarters. He was at Brighton ; and having nothing better to do , I put myself in the " Times,” and arrived at the Bedford Hotel. It was not until after some inquiry, that I could find out his address. At last I obtained it, in a respectable but not fashionable part of this overgrown town. Willemott received me just as before. " I have no spare bed to offer you, but you must breakfast and dine with us every day. Our house is small, but it's very comfortable, and Brighton is a very convenient place. You know Mary is married. A good place in the courts was for sale, and my wife and I agreed to purchase it for Rivers. It has reduced us a little, but they are very comfortable. I have retired from business altogether ; in fact, as my daughters are both married, and we have enough to live upon, what can we wish for more ? Brighton is very gay, and always healthy ; and, as for carriages and horses, they are of no use here ; they are to be had at every corner of the streets." I accepted his invitation to dinner. A parlour-maid waited, but every thing, although very plain, was clean and comfortable. " I have still a bottle of wine for a friend, Reynolds," said Willemott, after dinner, "but, for my part, I prefer whiskey-toddy. It agrees with me better. Here's to the health of my two girls, God bless them, and success to them in life." "My dear Willemott," said I, " I take the liberty of an old friend, but I am so astonished at your philosophy, that I cannot help it. When I call to mind Belem Castle, your large establishment, your luxuries, your French cook, and your stud of cattle, I wonder at your contented state of mind under such a change of circumstances."
