usa is of foreign extraction, but
Mr. Tortoshell claims him as a cousin by his mother's side, and is not a
little proud of the relationship.

The De Mousas are in very easy circumstances, and indulge in many
expensive luxuries, having Devonshire clotted cream every morning at
breakfast, and a fricassee of some small deer, that they appear to be
very fond of, for their supper. Their carriage is the handsomest in the
villas; and _when_ they go to church, two pages always attend them.

Before the arrival of the De Mousas--for they have but lately come from
abroad--the Tortoshells lived in the most unpretending way; but within
the last twelve months they have started a brougham, and a
livery-servant with a gold-laced collar, much to the surprise of their
neighbours, who wondered what sudden good fortune had befallen them. But
I am sorry to say this extravagance was all owing to the vanity of Mrs.
Tortoshell, who is most anxious to be introduced into society by Lady
Angora De Mousa, as you shall hear.

Mr. Tortoshell called on his cousin soon after his arrival in the
neighbourhood of the Gravel-pits, and explained to him their
relationship, which Mr. De Mousa, who is extremely well bred, professed
great delight in hearing of, at the same time he invited the whole
family of the Tortoshells to dinner on the next day. Lady Angora was not
over-pleased at this arrangement, and assumed a haughty air when the
Tortoshells came; but being naturally of a warm-hearted disposition, she
quickly became attached to the elder daughter Minnie, though it must be
confessed she showed no great partiality for the mamma. The son also,
Young Tom as he was called, to distinguish him from his father, won the
good opinion of Mr. De Mousa, by his shrewdness and his intimate
knowledge of London life among certain classes. So the day passed
pleasantly enough, and Mr. and Mrs. Tortoshell and their family all
walked home with greater consequence than they had before assumed. But
it happened to be a rainy evening, Mrs. Tortoshell spoiled her best
velvet dress, and easily persuaded her husband that it would be more
economical for them to keep a brougham. Mr. Tortoshell pretended to
believe her, and bought one.

One day, about a month after, as Lady Angora and her husband were about
taking their usual promenade in Kensington Gardens, they were astonished
at the appearance of a footman in the smartest of liveries, who, instead
of going as usual to the ser