hour's lecture upon her dress and deportment;
and Netta a few hints as to her general behaviour, which, whilst it
enchanted the elder, frightened the younger lady. Thus 'forewarned,' if
not 'fore-armed' the forces of Simpson and Jenkins were thrown together.

Lady Simpson is an average specimen of a vulgar woman aping gentility;
her daughter of a would-be fine lady.

After they have sufficiently admired Netta's dress, and put the
finishing touches to it, Miss Simpson informs Netta of her duty as bride
elect.

'Of course, my dear, papa will take you to the hymeneal altar, and our
friend Captain Dancy will take me.'

'Oh! I hope there is no other stranger,' gasps Netta.

'Only a particular friend of my brother's and of Mr Jenkins'. Do not be
alarmed, you shy little dove.'

'Netta, fach!' whispers Mrs Jenkins, 'the ladies was knowing what is
right'

'Then my brother must take up Mrs Jenkins, and Mr Jenkins, mamma. I
declare we shall be a charming party; and remember to take off your
glove, dear, and give it to me.'

'We had better go downstairs now,' said Lady Simpson. 'Bridegrooms are
very impatient at these times.'

Lady Simpson took the blushing, frightened Netta by the hand, and led
her into the drawing-room. Truly the poor child did look like a lovely
country rose, as Miss Simpson had not inaptly called her. Howel led her,
proud of her beauty, to the portly Sir John, who patted her kindly on
the cheeks, and reminded Netta so strongly of her father that the tears
sprung into her eyes. Howel's frown soon checked them, and a thundering
knock at the door, followed by the entrance of Mr Simpson, junior, and
his friend, Captain Dancy, turned her attention from the father to the
son. The look of decided admiration that the new comers cast upon her,
quite revived her drooping spirits, and she smiled, curtseyed, and
blushed as becomingly and naively as Howel could have wished.

Mr Horatio Simpson was a young man very much adorned with chains, rings,
studs, and black curls. He had, moreover, a very fine waistcoat, and was
altogether well fitted by his tailor. His face was not unlike that of an
otter. He used grand words when he spoke, but did not tire his
companions by quite as voluble a tongue as did his mother. He was one of
those fine gentlemen who would, or could neither plod nor dash at his
studies, and who was quite willing to take all his knowledge second hand
from any one who would kindly impart it.

Capta