"Oh! I understand you," rejoined he. "You have been disappointed in love by some one else? So was I, once on a time--madly in love with a girl who married another, whom I suppose she liked better than me. At first I thought of committing suicide; but was prevented--I suppose, by fear. I was afflicted with very unpleasant thoughts, springing from this disappointment. They stuck to me for nearly three years. I got over them last, and I'll tell you how. I accidentally met the object of my affections. She was the mother of two rosy, apple-cheeked children; and presented a personal appearance that immediately disenchanted me. She was nearly as broad as she was long. I wondered how the deuce I could ever have been such a fool as to love the woman--more especially to have made myself so miserable about her. If you have been disappointed in the same manner, take my advice, and seek the remedy that restored me." Absurd as Cannon's proposition might appear, I could not help thinking that there was some philosophy in it; and, without telling him of my intention, I determined on giving it further consideration. To change the conversation, I rang the bell. I knew that Cannon was fond of a glass of Scotch whiskey; and, when Mrs Nagger made her appearance, I requested her to bring a bottle of Glenlivet into the room--along with some hot water and sugar. The "materials" were produced; and we proceeded to mixing the "toddy." "This is the right brand," said Cannon, taking up the bottle, and scrutinising its label, "the very sort to my taste." I could see the lips of Mrs Nagger slightly moving; and I knew that she was muttering the words, "more's the pity!" I have no doubt that she suffered a little at being deprived of the opportunity of giving her one idea a more audible manifestation. Cannon did not suffer from any disappointment as to the quality of the liquor. At all events, he appeared to find it to his liking: for he became so exhilarated over it, that he did not leave until sunset; and not then, till he had prevailed upon me to accompany him--with the understanding, that we should spend the evening together. "What's the use of your living in London," he asked, "if you stay all the time within doors? You appear even less inclined to see a little life, than when I met you in Melbourne. Why is it, Stone?" "Because I came here to rest myself. A life spent in labour, has given me but few opportunities of acquiring that knowledge, that may be obtained from books; and now that I have a little leisure given me, I wish to make a good use of it." "That's a very sensible design, no doubt," said Cannon, "but you must not follow it to-night. Come along with me; and I'll show you something of London." I consented to accompany Cannon--on the condition of his taking me to some place where I could be amused in a quiet, simple manner--any spectacle suitable to a sailor, or gold-digger, and at which there might be no disgrace in being present.