n an
inconceivably short space of time, to conjure up half-a-million
obstacles to his union. What should he do? he would rush on to Baker
Street, and wait there until his Lucy left Lady Gorgon's house.

He could find no vehicle in the Regent's Park, and was in consequence
obliged to make his journey on foot. Of course, he nearly killed himself
with running, and ran so quick, that he was just in time to see the two
ladies step out of Lady Gorgon's carriage at her own house, and to hear
Jerningham's fellow-footman roar to the Gorgonian coachman, "Half-past
seven!" at which hour we are, to this day, convinced that Lady Gorgon
was going out to dine. Mr. Jerningham's associate having banged to the
door, with an insolent look towards Perkins, who was prying in with the
most suspicious and indecent curiosity, retired, exclaiming, "That chap
has a hi to our great-coats, I reckon!" and left John Perkins to pace
the street and be miserable.

John Perkins then walked resolutely up and down dismal Baker Street,
determined on an eclaircissement. He was for some time occupied in
thinking how it was that the Gorgons were not at church, they who made
such a parade of piety; and John Perkins smiled as he passed the chapel,
and saw that two CHARITY SERMONS were to be preached that day--and
therefore it was that General Gorgon read prayers to his family at home
in the morning.

Perkins, at last, saw that little General, in blue frock-coat and
spotless buff gloves, saunter scowling home; and half an hour before his
arrival had witnessed the entrance of Jerningham, and the three gaunt
Miss Gorgons, poodle, son-and-heir, and French governess, protected by
him, into Sir George's mansion.

"Can she be going to stay all night?" mused poor John, after being on
the watch for three hours: when presently, to his inexpressible delight,
he saw a very dirty hackney-coach clatter up to the Gorgon door, out of
which first issued the ruby plush breeches and stalwart calves of Mr.
Jerningham; these were followed by his body, and then the gentleman,
ringing modestly, was admitted.

Again the door opened: a lady came out, nor was she followed by the
footman, who crossed his legs at the door-post and allowed her to mount
the jingling vehicle as best she might. Mr. Jerningham had witnessed the
scene in the Park Gardens, had listened to the altercation through the
library keyhole, and had been mighty sulky at being ordered to call a
coach for this young