Mr and Mrs Paragraph, we have already observed, were in such raptures with Lord Kingsborough's entertainment, and the whole of his behaviour during the last meeting, that next day they did nothing but visit all their friends, and acquaint them with the particular honours they had received from his Lordship and his noble friends; nor had Mr Paragraph the least doubt but he should now be honoured with the title of Sir George, and that Mrs Paragraph would shine in the character of Lady Paragraph. In short, he neither thought nor dreamt of anything else, till he was roused from these delightful visions by the absence of his niece.

            Mrs Paragaph had been out all that afternoon, spreading her own consequence among her mechanical acquaintance, whilst Mr Paragraph was displaying his folly in a circle of his common council friends and companions, and, on his return home, was amazed to find his dear lady in the utmost perplexity and concern for the absence of Miss Faulkner, whom the knew her husband doted on, not only as being his niece and heir apparent, but because that, through her powerful influence and personal charms, he expected to acquire those dignities, which had long filled his warm imagination, and in the the pursuit of which Mrs Paragraph was equally eager.

            No wonder, then, that the absence of the author of all their present and future bliss filled them with the most dreadful apprehensions. Messengers and expresses were sent to every part of the city, where Miss Faulkner had visited; whilst Mr Paragraph, in person, limped to Mrs Tabby's; but alas! on enquiry there, that worthy lady had not seen Miss since the night of the ball at Lord Kingsborough's. This almost distracted Mr Paragraph, but when all the messengers he had sent (amongst whom were a number of young devils) returned, without being able to discover the least trace of the fair fugitive, Mr Paragraph was no longer able to contain himself, or support that philosophy and steadiness of temper, which he had been always remarkable for, and greatly boasted of. Mrs Paragraph was equally affected, and, for two days and nights they indulged the most poignant sorrow and affliction: but, on the third morning, they received the following letter, which, though it did not entirely remove their uneasiness, acquainted them with the route Miss Faulkner had taken, and with whom.

            "Dear Dear Mr Paragraph,
            You are no stranger to the pressing invitations, which I have repeatedly given to your worthy lady, Miss Faulkner, and yourself, to favour me with your company at Rockingham, where I would have the pleasure of entertaining you with those rural amusements, which your good taste and inimitable fancy would relish, beyond anything the smoky town can afford. Some business of importance, which calls me suddenly to the country, prevented my paying the respects due to your lady and yourself, before my departure; and, as I could not bear travelling alone, I have prevailed with your adorable niece to honour me with her company: I have assured her you will excuse so precipitate a departure, when you are convinced she is under the protection of her faithful admirer, and
            Your most obedient servant,
            Kingsboroughh.

            P.S. If Mrs Paragraph and yourself will honour us with your presence, I have given directions, that a coach with a set, and whatever servants you may please to order, shall attend you to Rockingham."

            The receipt of this letter at once convinced Mr Paragraph and his lady of the folly of their conduct with respect to their niece, and at the same time blasted all their golden dreams of title, preferment and grandeur. The story immediately became public, and they were both laughed at, and highly censured by all their acquaintance, so that it required same months to silence the ridicule, before Mr or Mrs Paragraph could venture again to appear in public.

            Reflection convinced Mr Paragraph, that he was much to blame, and that he was in some degree chargeable with his niece's disgrace; but he was astonished, that Lord Kingsborough should thus openly avow the crime he had committed, and as some of our readers may be of the same opinion, we shall, in the next chapter, further acquaint them with the real character of that nobleman, and give them some account of his country residence, which perhaps may not prove disagreeable.

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