early liaisons; and then he told his own, in the year four, with a
burgomaster's daughter at Ratisbon, when he was in the Elector of
Bavaria's service--then, after Blenheim, when he had come over to the
Duke of Marlborough, when a physician's wife at Bonn poisoned herself
for him, etc. etc.; of a piece with the story of the canoness, which has
been recorded before. All the tales were true. A clever, ugly man every
now and then is successful with the ladies; but a handsome fool is
irresistible. Mrs. Cat listened and listened. Good heavens! she
had heard all these tales before, and recollected the place and the
time--how she was hemming a handkerchief for Max; who came round and
kissed her, vowing that the physician's wife was nothing compared
to her--how he was tired, and lying on the sofa, just come home from
shooting. How handsome he looked! Cat thought he was only the handsomer
now; and looked more grave and thoughtful, the dear fellow!

The garden was filled with a vast deal of company of all kinds, and
parties were passing every moment before the arbour where our trio sat.
About half-an-hour after his Excellency had quitted his own box and
party, the Rev. Mr. O'Flaherty came discreetly round, to examine the
proceedings of his diplomatical chef. The lady in the mask was listening
with all her might; Mr. Billings was drawing figures on the table with
punch; and the Count talking incessantly. The Father Confessor listened
for a moment; and then, with something resembling an oath, walked away
to the entry of the gardens, where his Excellency's gilt coach, with
three footmen, was waiting to carry him back to London. "Get me a chair,
Joseph," said his Reverence, who infinitely preferred a seat gratis in
the coach. "That fool," muttered he, "will not move for this hour." The
reverend gentleman knew that, when the Count was on the subject of the
physician's wife, his discourses were intolerably long; and took upon
himself, therefore, to disappear, along with the rest of the Count's
party; who procured other conveyances, and returned to their homes.

After this quiet shadow had passed before the Count's box, many groups
of persons passed and repassed; and among them was no other than Mrs.
Polly Briggs, to whom we have been already introduced. Mrs. Polly was
in company with one or two other ladies, and leaning on the arm of a
gentleman with large shoulders and calves, a fierce cock to his hat,
and a shabby genteel air. His