sir. I think I heard Mr. Plummey, the butler, say he
declined.'

'So much the better,' growled Jack, throwing off his purple-lapped coat in
commencement of his toilette. As the two dressed they discussed the point
how Pacey might be done.

When our friends got downstairs it was evident there was a great spread.
Two red-plushed footmen stood on guard in the entrance, helping the
arrivers out of their wraps, while a buzz of conversation sounded through
the partially opened drawing-room door, as Mr. Plummey stood, handle in
hand, to announce the names of the guests. Our friends, having the entree,
of course passed in as at home, and mingled with the comers and stayers.
Guest after guest quickly followed, almost all making the same
observation, namely, that it was a fine day for the time of year, and then
each sidled off, rubbing his hands, to the fire. Captain Guano monopolized
about one-half of it, like a Colossus of Rhodes, with a coat-lap under each
arm. He seemed to think that, being a stayer, he had more right to the fire
than the mere diners.

Mr. Puffington moved briskly among the motley throng, now expatiating on
the splendour of the run, now hoping a friend was hungry, asking a third
after his wife, and apologizing to a fourth for not having called on his
sister. Still his real thoughts were in the kitchen, and he kept counting
noses and looking anxiously at the timepiece. After the door had had a
longer rest than usual, Blossomnose at last cast up: 'Now we're all here
surely!' thought he, counting about; 'one, two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, thirteen, fourteen,
myself fifteen--fifteen, fifteen, must be another--sixteen, eight couple
asked. Oh, that Pacey's wanting; always comes late, won't wait'--so saying,
or rather thinking, Mr. Puffington rang the bell and ordered dinner. Pacey
then cast up.

He was just the sort of swaggering youth that Jack had described; a youth
who thought money would do everything in the world--make him a gentleman,
in short. He came rolling into the room, grinning as if he had done
something fine in being late. He had both his great red hands in his tight
trouser pockets, and drew the right one out to favour his friends with it
'all hot.'

'I'm late, I guess,' said he, grinning round at the assembled guests, now
dispersed in the various attitudes of expectant eaters, some standing ready
for a start, some half-sitting on tables and sofa