ed no bills to be sent in to Mr. Richmond,
alleging, as a sufficient reason for it to her father, that their family
came from Richmond in Yorkshire. Eventually, the bills were always paid.
She had not been able to manage her husband so well; and the consequence
was, that (she breathed low) an execution was out; 'though I tell him,'
she said tremulously, 'he 's sure to be paid in the long run, if
only he'll wait. But no; he is you cannot think how obstinate in his
business. And my girl Augusta waiting for Mr. Roy Richmond, the wish
of our hearts! to assist at her wedding; and can we ask it, and have an
execution hanging over him? And for all my husband's a guest here, he's
as likely as not to set the officers at work, do what I will, to-morrow
or any day. Your father invited us, Mr. Harry. I forced my husband to
come, hoping against hope; for your papa gave the orders, relying on me,
as he believed he might, and my husband undertook them, all through me.
There it stops; he hears reports, and he takes fright: in goes the bill:
then it's law, and last Oh! I'm ashamed.'

Mr. Disher's bill was for supplying suppers to the Balls. He received my
cheque for the amount in full, observing that he had been confident
his wife was correct when she said it would be paid, but a tradesman's
business was to hasten the day of payment; and, for a penance, he
himself would pacify the lawyers.

On hearing of the settlement of Mr. Disher's claim, my father ahem'd,
speechless, which was a sign of his swallowing vexation. He remarked
that I had, no doubt with the best intentions, encroached on his
liberty. 'I do not like to have my debts disturbed.' He put it to me,
whether a man, carrying out a life-long plan, would not be disconcerted
by the friendliest intervention. This payment to Disher he pronounced
fatal in policy. 'You have struck a heavy blow to my credit, Richie.
Good little Mistress Dolly brought the man down here--no select addition
to our society--and we were doing our utmost to endure him, as the
ladies say, for the very purpose... but the error stands committed! For
the future, friend Disher will infallibly expect payments within the
year. Credit for suppers is the guarantee of unlimited entertainments.
And I was inspiring him with absolute confidence for next year's
campaign. Money, you are aware, is no longer a question to terrify me. I
hold proofs that I have conclusively frightened Government, and you know
it. But this rega