Boyer, they shall neither of them touch her.--I will carry her myself.----I could not bear to see their arms encircle the sweet girl.--I'll enter her chamber first.--Her face they must behold; but, with the same zeal that I would feast mine own senses upon her other charms, will I hide them from the profanation of vulgar eyes. * * * * * The great clock striking two has just filled the turrets with its sound.--Griffiths has been with me. Their gayer sports have ceased. Punch bowls and story telling succeed the dance and song. Their animal spirits drooping with excess and fatigue, their old midnight habits return.--Mysterious tales of ghosts go round the circle; and each becomes desirous of seeking rest, though fearful to separate. A few more bumpers Griffiths says will at once bring them courage and sleep. He bids me assure myself of success. Griffiths and his brother are to have a chamber in the front of the north wing. All the domestics, he says, except Andrew and his daughter, lie in the back part of the building. 'Within two hours, my lord,' said Griffiths as he quitted me, 'your triumph is complete.' Two hours! Walter, two hours of yesterday were nothing: but two hours of this night!--now!--You do not know the length of hours, Boyer! how should you? * * * * * When you come to this line, my dear Walter, fill to your friend's prosperity.--My two agents are here. The light is already placed in the dark lanterns.--Not a sleepless eye in the castle but our own. All, even old Andrew, partook of the libations; and resigned their senses, to seal my triumph. Griffiths has shown me a gagg. It will not sure be necessary. Should it, I will heal those lips with kisses! My lines stagger.--No wonder!--I'm on the summit!--Now, I only stay to seal this letter. In the first town we arrive at after day-break, it shall be committed to the post. Go or send instantly, and stop all proceedings on the mortgage. Adieu! adieu! rejoice with FILMAR END OF THE SECOND VOLUME VOLUME III LETTER I FROM LORD FILMAR TO SIR WALTER BOYER DEAR WALTER, Two days have I allowed you to wear out your astonishment at my ingenuity, address, and perseverance, and to exercise your imagination in following me and my bride from stage to stage of this admirably contrived journey.--Does the novelty of the adventure wear off?--Happy knight!--to have for thy chosen friend and bosom confidant, one who can ever open the field of variety before thee; and who, to cheer thy languid fancy, removes the pleasure on which thou hadst feasted to satiety, and places the pride-correcting view of disappointment in its stead.