o
hard-hearted? I called upon him this morning, and his servant was
crying. I must get him a place; he is such a good man, and loves
his master. Now, do you want a servant? You never want anything. Ask
everybody you know whether they want a servant, an honest man, who loves
his master. There he is crying down stairs, in Gregory's room. Poor,
good creature! I could cry myself, only it is of no use.'

'Who is his master?' said Lord Montfort.

'Nobody you know; yes! you know him very well. It is my dear, dear
friend; you know him very well. The bailiffs went to his hotel
yesterday, and dragged him out of bed, and took him to prison. Oh! I
shall go quite distracted. I want to sell my china to pay his debts.
Where is Miss Twoshoes?' continued her ladyship; 'why don't you answer?
You do everything to plague me.'

'Miss Grandison, Lady Bellair?'

'To be sure; it is her lover.'

'Captain Armine?'

'Have I not been telling you all this time? They have taken him to
prison.'

Miss Temple rose and left the room.

'Poor creature! she is quite shocked. She knows him, too,' said her
ladyship. 'I am afraid he is quite ruined. There is a knock. I will make
a subscription for him. I dare say it is my grandson. He is very rich,
and very good-natured.'

'My dear Lady Bellair,' said Lord Montfort, rising, 'favour me by not
saying a word to anybody at present. I will just go in the next room to
Henrietta. She is intimate with the family, and much affected. Now, my
dear lady, I entreat you,' continued his lordship, 'do not say a word.
Captain Armine has good friends, but do not speak to strangers. It will
do harm; it will indeed.'

'You are a good creature; you are a good creature. Go away.'

'Lady Frederick Berrington, my lady,' announced the page.

'She is very witty, but very poor. It is no use speaking to her. I won't
say a word. Go to Miss Thingabob: go, go.' And Lord Montfort escaped
into the saloon as Lady Frederick entered.

Henrietta was lying on the sofa, her countenance was hid, she was
sobbing convulsively.

'Henrietta,' said Lord Montfort, but she did not answer. 'Henrietta, he
again said, 'dear Henrietta! I will do whatever you wish.'

'Save him, save him!' she exclaimed. 'Oh! you cannot save him! And I
have brought him to this! Ferdinand! dearest Ferdinand! oh! I shall
die!'

'For God's sake, be calm,' said Lord Montfort, 'there is nothing I will
not do for you, for him.'

'Ferdinand, Ferdinand, my own,