Two tedious hours elapsed before our heroine expressed any symptoms of awaking, but at length a gentle tremulous sigh announced returning animation. The bell was rung, and Deborah, who slept in a small ante-chamber, soon attended the summons.

"Dear Deborah," cried our heroine, "I am very thirsty, pray let me have breakfast as soon as possible, I don't think I shall rise for some time, but order the tea immediately."

"Yes, Madam," responded Deborah, who fidgeted out of the room with all possible dispatch.

In about ten minutes after William, with tea urn and lamp, made his appearance. And now the spirit of curiosity ascended to the regions of solicitude! And now William having disposed of the urn approached the bed! And now solicitude was transformed to distraction. The curtains were rudely drawn, and William throwing his lusty body over that of his little gentle mistress, proceeded to such a volley of well-timed smacks, as penetrated the very soul and vitals of our enraged and astonished cornuto.

William having made his preparatory discourse, arose, and began to prepare for the work itself. But our heroine, having now some real respect to modesty, begged he would refrain until he returned with the tea things, and had seen that Deborah was about her business in the laundry. This after a few more hearty kisses was complied with, and an horrible interval of at least ten minutes more succeeded.

During this period our heroine started from the bed with all the agility of sound health and spirits, performed a certain morning ceremony, which she probably thought would add to her expectant joys, and having adjusted her head-dress at the glass sprang into bed again with the same sprightliness and vigour with which she quitted it.