ning.

His lordship sat like a target, shot at by all, but making the most of his
time, both in the way of eating and staring between questions.

At length the ladies withdrew, and his lordship having waddled to the door
to assist their egress, now availed himself of Jawleyford's invitation to
occupy an arm-chair during the enjoyment of his 'Wintle.'

Whether it was the excellence of the beverage, or that his lordship was
unaccustomed to wine-drinking, or that Jawleyford's conversation was
unusually agreeable, we know not, but the summons to tea and coffee was
disregarded, and when at length they did make their appearance, his
lordship was what the ladies call rather elevated, and talked thicker than
there was any occasion for. He was very voluble at first--told all how
Sponge had knocked him about, how he detested him, and wouldn't allow him
to come to the hunt ball, &c.; but he gradually died out, and at last fell
asleep beside Mrs. Jawleyford on the sofa, with his little legs crossed,
and a half-emptied coffee-cup in his hand, which Mr. Jawleyford and she
kept anxiously watching, expecting the contents to be over the fine satin
furniture every moment.

In this pleasant position they remained till he awoke himself with a hearty
snore, and turned the coffee over on to the carpet. Fortunately there was
little damage done, and, it being nearly twelve o'clock, his lordship
waddled off to bed.

Amelia, when she came to think matters over in the retirement of her own
room, was well satisfied with the progress she had made. She thought she
only wanted opportunity to capture him. Though she was most anxious for a
good night in order that she might appear to advantage in the morning,
sleep forsook her eyelids, and she lay awake long thinking what she would
do when she was my lady--how she would warm Woodmansterne, and what a
dashing equipage she would keep. At length she dropped off, just as she
thought she was getting into her well-appointed chariot, showing a becoming
portion of her elegantly turned ankles.

In the morning she attired herself in her new light blue satin robe,
corsage Albanaise, with a sort of three-quarter sleeves, and muslin under
ones--something, we believe, out of the last book of fashion. She also had
her hair uncommonly well arranged, and sported a pair of clean
primrose-coloured gloves. 'Now for victory,' said she, as she took a
parting glance at herself in general, and the hot spot in particular.