the world! I said I felt like a reprieved criminal. I felt much worse. He may hope for ultimate pardon-I was sure of ultimate punishment. Did I not deserve it? I was deceiving my generous friend R- He was responsible for the goods he had ordered for mea hundred and fifty dollars; for my board, as much more-for he had introduced me, and I had not a dollar in the world! I had half a mind to confess all, and throw myself upon his mercy, but he did not give me time. During the ride he talked incessantly, alternately chiding me for my despondency, and trying to reason me into spirits. The very means he took to relieve my depression increased it. I was affected to tears. "Arrived at his country-seat, I found his intelligent wife and accomplished daughters, all that he had promised. I verily believe their stay at the country-seat was protracted solely for my comfort, as I had repeatedly, civilly, but positively declined calling at their house in town. For a time, they did beguile me of my unpleas ant feelings-till they became acquainted and familiar. Their thoughtless rallying then caused me many a pang —many a sally intended for a joke was as bitter to me, as the stones to the frogs. I have forgiven the gypsies long since-but I can never forget them. upon a day, I was completely cornered. brother, came up from the city, and the girls arranged a ride. Mrs Rand daughters were to take the coach -Albert and I were appointed outriders. forget,' said he, 'that the only horses here that are fit for the saddle, you take for the coach.' At length, Albert, their "But you "And you forget, brother of ours, that you have declared, times without number, that you never would back one of mother's span of deacons. Nay, nay, you must provide your own steeds—you know you are a sad boor, and our friend shall teach you to ride.' "I had a glimpse of the plan from what I understood of the conversation, and one of the sisters explained it all to me. You, Senor P―, fresh from the land of chivalry and romance, must make a cavalier of Albert.' I was thunderstruck-and 'looked it well' too, I suppose, for she continued, 'What! so blank! sure never gallant knight before received token of a lady's favor so thanklessly.' "I should be happy indeed, to be of your party, but must go to the city upon business.' “‘Indeed, that is the first we have heard of it. But we will have the ride notwithstanding. We will go today.' I am very sorry, very, but I must to New York today.' "Ah, you are worse than Albert—still, I will arrange it. Our ride shall be to the ferry, and when we return, we will send a servant for your horse.' 66 6 No, no, ladies, you must excuse me― 66 6 'Must!' "Yes I prefer—that is—I was directed-I must walk!' -, you pay the "Must walk! Well I do believe, Senor Pare a strange man. Won't you ride if I will shilling? Take the omnibus, if you are determined not to be gallant. Why, one would think you were a dyspeptic, or a Palmer from Holy Land, and under a vow to travel with scrip and staff, or a wandering beggar. Do shut your eyes, and let me give you Ponto for a guide, with a string to his neck.' "I bolted from the house, reached the ferry in an in credibly short space of time, paid my last rial to the boatman, and in a few moments was pacing Broadway. I trembled at every tailor's shop I passed, shrunk from every accidental touch, as if I expected and dreaded. pursuit and wandered still, irresolute where to turn. I feared to return to my boarding place, and dared not apply at a public house, because I imagined 'guilty of poverty' was stamped on my forehead. Accidentally, I encountered R- I strove to avoid him, but it was impossible. "Hey day! what, i' the dumps again? In the city -alone-on foot-and as wild a looking conspirator, as Cataline himself could have been. Why man, what ails you? Are you afraid there is still a price on your head and a regiment in pursuit?' "Mr R exceedingly.' "Well, I beg pardon-you know I would not intentionally. Come, make me your confidant.' “I dare not—but you must know eventually—and -you will despise me.' 666 'Nonsense! I don't believe a word of accusation.' your self "Mr R-!' said I, with a tremendous effort. "Senor P- !' answered he, with mock gravity. 666 'I am indebted to my tailor, one hundred and fifty dollars-' "'Well.' "And to my landlady probably as much more "Well-' 666 And you are accountable for both sums.' "What! You mean to commit suicide, and wish me to be your executor. balance?' "Balance?' 66 6 What shall I do with the Ay, I hold your funds to thrice the amount of your debts, if you have well and truly rendered an account.' "God bless you, sir!' I was delirious with pleasure, at this unexpected announcement of good fortune. 'But why did you never tell me of this?' "Because I supposed you knew it of course.' "On the next day I rode with the Misses R QUID PRO QUO. Oh, what's the use of living, such Yes, "What's the use?" a question is I meet on every tongue. Utilitarian policy Is now-a-days the go; Nobody thinks of doing aught, Without a quid pro quo. My cousin Jehu keeps a horse, And asks me oft to ride But "What's the use?" I have to treat, And pay the tolls beside! It's very kind in him to ask, And very prudent, too— He knows for every mile I ride, He gets a quid pro quo One can't afford to be polite, “What is the use" to feign it then, The shadow of a sham? If one asks me to dine with him, I must invite him home in turn- I've burned my pocket Chesterfield, And quite an adept grown ; For "What's the use," when barter-trade Is all one needs to know, To talk of any thing, beside "Use," and the quid pro quo? Prepare you, Mr Coroner, A verdict to produce "This luckless vagrant di-ed of Excessive 'WHAT'S THE USE!'"' For "What's the use " of living in A world so full of wo? I'll hang, and let the coroner |