In this conversation Lady Aimwell took little or no part; but her ladyship was very well pleased that Mr Darnley had been so bold as to give the baronet a little rebuke, and the baronet was not altogether satisfied with himself that he had suffered the silly girl to listen to Colonel Crop, and to receive messages from Lord Spoonbill under such circumstances. It is superfluous to say, that the unpaid magistrate had not a very nice perception of propriety to suffer such proceedings, especially since he knew, or might have known, the weakness of the young lady’s character. CHAPTER XVII. It is the character of history to pass over in silence years of peace, and to dwell copiously on seasons of war or scenes of discord. Seeing then that our friends at Neverden and Smatterton are now peacefully reconciled, and all is proceeding with them smoothly and calmly, we will turn our attention to the fugitives, and follow the gallant one and the lovely one on their perilous and ill-advised excursion. It will however be necessary to present our readers with two letters, one from Colonel Crop to Lord Spoonbill, and one from Lord Spoonbill to Colonel Crop; and we beg to caution all editors, publishers, and proprietors of “Polite Letter-writers,” against pirating these letters for the purpose of enriching and rendering more attractive their said books on the subject of letter-writing. The first letter of the two is as follows: “MY LORD, “Your lordship’s letter came to hand. In answer to which I have the honor to say, that the lady is disposed to accompany me to town, whenever it shall please your lordship. “I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obedient, &c.” In answer to this his lordship replied: “MY DEAR CROP, “You are the best fellow in the world. Take it for granted that your fortune is made. Come as soon as you can. Bring the dear angel to Erpingham’s cottage, and send me word immediately on your arrival. “Yours, ever faithfully, SPOONBILL.” This last letter arrived the very day before that on which Miss Glossop was destined to return home. Happy therefore was the gallant colonel when, by means of a stolen interview with the young lady, he learned from her that she was prepared to take her flight as early as possible on the following morning. Preparations were accordingly made; and at six o’clock in the morning, as already recorded, the young lady, accompanied by her military guardian, forsook the beautiful plains of Neverden and the splendid towers of Smatterton.