136 TWO DAYS FLY-FISHING 



But I must not anticipate. My happiness continued 

 for some weeks, during which time Juliana V er- 

 penses, which I thought myself bound to pay, 

 exceeded three hundred pounds. During a visit I 

 paid to this neighbourhood, whither I went to pre- 

 pare my house for her reception, I frequently heard 

 from her, but her letters, although replete with 

 tender affection, always concluded with a request 

 for money, which she wanted under one pretext or 

 another. 



At this time I was so infatuated with the woman, 

 that these letters, which appear now the most ab- 

 surd nonsense, were to me the outpourings of a grate- 

 ful and affectionate heart. I read them over, spelt 

 the words, kissed the signature, and in short com- 

 mitted all the follies which lovers do on receiving 

 epistles from those they adore. The time lagged 

 heavily, and I panted for the day when I should 

 again behold my lovely Juliana. 



It so hap|)ened, and as it proved, luckily for me, 

 that I finished my business in the country three 

 days sooner than I had expected, and with a bound- 

 ing heart, and full of love and hope, I once more 

 betook myself to the metropolis. I arrived in the 

 evening, and hoping to give my fair one an agree- 

 able surprize, I flew to her abode. The door was 

 open, as it often was. I walked softly up stairs, 

 and was on the point of opening the door when I 

 heard a burst of laughter inside. I was surprized, 



