I am happy to say, had, by attention and kindness joined with firmness and good temper, acquired a dominion over him.  I had at his request removed to the hotel, and lived with him altogether.  His leg was rapidly arriving to a state of convalescence, and he now talked of taking a house and setting up his establishment in London.  I had seen but little of Mr Masterton during this time, as I had remained in-doors in attendance upon the general.  I had written once to Mr Cophagus, stating how I was occupied, but saying nothing about our reconciliation.  One morning, Mr Masterton called upon us, and after a little conversation with the general, he told me that he had persuaded Mr Cophagus and his wife to leave Reading and come to London, and that Susannah Temple was to come with them.

“On a visit?” inquired I.  “No, not on a visit.  I have seen Cophagus, and he is determined to cut the Quakers, and reside in London altogether.”

“What! does he intend to return to the pomps and vanities of this wicked world?”

“Yes, I believe so, and his wife will join him.  She has no objection to decorate her pretty person.”

“I never thought that she had—­but Susannah Temple—­”

“When Susannah is away from her friends, when she finds that her sister and brother-in-law no longer wear the dress, and when she is constantly in your company, to all which please to add the effect I trust of my serious admonitions, she will soon do as others do, or she is no woman.  This is all my plan, and leave it to me—­only play your part by seeing as much of her as you can.”

“You need not fear that,” replied I.

“Does your father know of your attachment?” inquired Mr Masterton.

“No, I passed her over without mentioning her name,” replied I.  “It is too soon yet to talk to him about my marrying; in fact, the proposal must, if possible, come from him.  Could not you manage that?”

“Yes, I will if I can; but, as you say, wait awhile.  Here is their address—­you must call to-morrow, if you can; and do you think you can dine with me on Thursday?”

“Yes, if the general continues improving; if not, I will send you word.”

The next day I complained of a headache, and said, that I would walk out until dinner-time.  I hastened to the address given me by Mr Masterton, and found that Mr Cophagus and his wife were out, but Susannah remained at home.  After our first questions, I inquired of her how she liked London.

“I am almost afraid to say, Japhet, at least to you; you would only laugh at me.”

“Not so, Susannah; I never laugh when I know people are sincere.”

“It appears to me, then, to be a vanity fair.”

“That there is more vanity in London than in any other city, I grant,” replied I; “but recollect, that there are more people and more wealth.  I do not think that there is more in proportion than in other towns in England, and if there is more vanity, Susannah, recollect also that there is more industry, more talent, and I should hope a greater proportion of good and honest people among its multitudes; there is also, unfortunately, more misery and more crime.”