Sir George often says he should go to his grave happy, could he but
see you the guardian of his boy; and I, your old friend (for we WERE
friends, William), how have I wept to think of you as one of those who
are bringing our monarchy to ruin. Do, do promise me this too!" And she
took his hand and pressed it between hers.

The heart of William Pitt Scully, during this speech, was thumping
up and down with a frightful velocity and strength. His old love, the
agency of the Gorgon property--the dear widow--five thousand a year
clear--a thousand delicious hopes rushed madly through his brain, and
almost took away his reason. And there she sat--she, the loved one,
pressing his hand and looking softly into his eyes.

Down, down he plumped on his knees.

"Juliana!" shrieked he, "don't take away your hand! My love--my only
love!--speak but those blessed words again! Call me William once more,
and do with me what you will."

Juliana cast down her eyes and said, in the very smallest type,
"William!"

* * *
--when the door opened, and in walked Mr. Crampton, leading Mrs. Biggs,
who could hardly contain herself for laughing, and Mr. John Perkins, who
was squeezing the arm of Miss Lucy. They had heard every word of the two
last speeches.

For at the very moment when Lady Gorgon had stopped at Mr. Scully's
door, the four above-named individuals had issued from Great James
Street into Bedford Row.

Lucy cried out that it was her aunt's carriage, and they all saw Mr.
Scully come out, bare-headed, in the sunshine, and my Lady descend, and
the pair go into the house. They meanwhile entered by Mr. Perkins's own
private door, and had been occupied in examining the delightful rooms
on the ground-floor, which were to be his dining-room and library--from
which they ascended a stair to visit the other two rooms, which were to
form Mrs. John Perkins's drawing-room and bedroom. Now whether it was
that they trod softly, or that the stairs were covered with a grand new
carpet and drugget, as was the case, or that the party within were too
much occupied in themselves to heed any outward disturbances, I know
not; but Lucy, who was advancing with John (he was saying something
about one of the apartments, the rogue!)--Lucy started and whispered,
"There is somebody in the rooms!" and at that instant began the speech
already reported, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DEAR MR. SCULLY," etc. etc.,
which was delivered