That evening, he gave a fête champetre to the peasantry; and, afterwards, a magnificent supper to his friends.
The company consisted of Lord Lilliput, Sir James Brobdignag, little Billy, Anacharsis Clootz, and Joe Miller.
Nothing, they thought, could add to their happiness; but they were miserably mistaken. A messenger, pale as Priam's, rushed into the room, and proclaimed Lord Theodore a peer of Great Britain, as his father had died the night before.
All present congratulated Lord De Willoughby on this prosperous turn of affairs; while himself and his charming bride exchanged a look that spoke volumes.
Little Billy then pledged him in a goblet of Falernian; but he very properly refused, alleging, that as the dear child was in love with Hysterica, he had probably poisoned the wine, in a fit of jealousy. The whole party were in raptures at this mark of his lordship's discretion.
After supper, little Billy rose, and bowing gracefully to the bride, stabbed himself to the heart.
Our readers may now wish to learn what became of the remaining personages in this narrative.
Count Stiletto is dead; Lord Lilliput is no more; Sir James Brobdignag has departed this life; Anacharsis Clootz is in his grave; and Mr. J. Miller is in another, and we trust, a better world.
Old Margueritone expired with the bible in her hand, and the coroner's inquest brought in a verdict of lunacy.
Having thus conducted our lovers to the summit of human happiness, we shall take leave of our readers with this moral reflection:—