by Lady Gorgon in a full clear voice; for, to do her
Ladyship justice, SHE had not one single grain of love for Mr. Scully,
and during the delivery of her little oration, was as cool as the
coolest cucumber.

Then began the impassioned rejoinder, to which the four listened on
the landing-place; and then the little "William," as narrated above: at
which juncture Mr. Crampton thought proper to rattle at the door, and,
after a brief pause, to enter with his party.

"William" had had time to bounce off his knees, and was on a chair at
the other end of the room.

"What, Lady Gorgon!" said Mr. Crampton, with excellent surprise, "how
delighted I am to see you! Always, I see employed in works of charity"
(the chapel-of-ease paper was on her knees), "and on such an occasion,
too,--it is really the most wonderful coincidence! My dear madam, here
is a silly fellow, a nephew of mine, who is going to marry a silly girl,
a niece of your own."

"Sir, I--" began Lady Gorgon, rising.

"They heard every word," whispered Mr. Crampton eagerly. "Come forward,
Mr. Perkins, and show yourself." Mr. Perkins made a genteel bow. "Miss
Lucy, please to shake hands with your aunt; and this, my dear madam, is
Mrs. Biggs, of Mecklenburgh Square, who, if she were not too old, might
marry a gentleman in the Treasury, who is your very humble servant." And
with this gallant speech, old Mr. Crampton began helping everybody to
sherry and cake.

As for William Pitt Scully, he had disappeared, evaporated, in the
most absurd sneaking way imaginable. Lady Gorgon made good her retreat
presently, with much dignity, her countenance undismayed, and her face
turned resolutely to the foe.

* * *

About five days afterwards, that memorable contest took place in the
House of Commons, in which the partisans of Mr. Macabaw were so very
nearly getting him the Speakership. On the day that the report of the
debate appeared in the Times, there appeared also an announcement in the
Gazette as follows:--

"The King has been pleased to appoint John Perkins, Esquire, to be
Deputy-Subcomptroller of His Majesty's Tape Office and Custos of the
Sealing-Wax Department."

Mr. Crampton showed this to his nephew with great glee, and was
chuckling to think how Mr. William Pitt Scully would be annoyed, who
had expected the place, when Perkins burst out laughing and said, "By
heavens, here is my own speech! Scully has spoken every word of i