e been already acquainted. Time enough
to introduce your father to me when we are in a carriage, going our
journey; then we can talk, and get acquainted; but merely to come
this evening in a hurry, and say, "Lord Clonbrony, Mr. Reynolds;--Mr.
Reynolds, Lord Clonbrony," and then bob our two heads at one another,
and scrape one foot back, and away!--where's the use of that nonsense
at my time of life, or at any time of life? No, no! we have enough to do
without that, I daresay.--Good morning to you, Count O'Halloran! I thank
you heartily. From the first moment I saw you, I liked you; lucky too
that you brought your dog with you! 'Twas Hannibal made me first let you
in; I saw him over the top of the blind.--Hannibal, my good fellow! I'm
more obliged to you than you can guess.'

'So are we all,' said Lord Colambre.

Hannibal was well patted, and then they parted. In returning home they
met Sir James Brooke.

'I told you,' said Sir James, 'I should be in London almost as soon as
you. Have you found old Reynolds!'

'Just come from him.'

'How does your business prosper! I hope as well as mine.'

A history of all that had passed up to the present moment was given, and
hearty congratulations received.

'Where are you going now, Sir James?--cannot you come with us?' said
Lord Colambre and the count.

'Impossible,' replied Sir James;--'but, perhaps, you can come with
me--I'm going to Gray's, to give some old family diamonds, either to be
new set or exchanged. Count O'Halloran, I know you are a judge of these
things; pray, come and give me your opinion.'

'Better consult your bride elect!' said the count.

'No; she knows little of the matter--and cares less,' replied Sir James.

'Not so this bride elect, or I mistake her much,' said the count, as
they passed by the window and saw Lady Isabel, who, with Lady Dashfort,
had been holding consultation deep with the jeweller; and Heathcock,
playing PERSONNAGE MUET.

Lady Dashfort, who had always, as old Reynolds expressed it, 'her
head upon her shoulders'--presence of mind where her interests were
concerned--ran to the door before the count and Lord Colambre could
enter, giving a hand to each--as if they had all parted the best friends
in the world.

'How do? how do?--Give you joy! give me joy! and all that. But mind! not
a word,' said she, laying her finger upon her lips--'not a word before
Heathcock of old Reynolds, or of the best part of the old fool,--his
fortune!'