woman and most haffable. The Countess of
Dorking would have been delighted to present these ladies had the
Princess not luckily been in London to do that office. The Hobson
Newcomes were very civil to the Lancashire party, and entertained them
splendidly at dinner. I believe Mrs. and Mr. Hobson themselves went to
court this year, the latter in a deputy-lieutenant's uniform.

If Barnes Newcome was so very civil to the Higg family we may suppose
he had good reason. The Higgs were very strong in Newcome, and it was
advisable to conciliate them. They were very rich, and their account
would not be disagreeable at the bank. Madame de Moncontour's--a large
easy private account--would be more pleasant still. And, Hobson Brothers
having entered largely into the Anglo-Continental Railway, whereof
mention has been made, it was a bright thought of Barnes to place the
Prince of Moncontour, etc. etc., on the French Direction of the Railway;
and to take the princely prodigal down to Newcome with his new title,
and reconcile him to his wife and the Higg family. Barnes we may say
invented the principality: rescued the Vicomte de Florac out of his
dirty lodgings in Leicester Square, and sent the Prince of Moncontour
back to his worthy middle-aged wife again. The disagreeable dissenting
days were over. A brilliant young curate of Doctor Bulders, who also
wore long hair, straight waistcoats, and no shirt-collars, had already
reconciled the Vicomtesse de Florac to the persuasion, whereof the
ministers are clad in that queer uniform. The landlord of their hotel
at St. James's got his wine from Sherrick, and sent his families to
Lady Whittlesea's Chapel. The Rev. Charles Honeyman's eloquence and
amiability were appreciated by his new disciple--thus the historian has
traced here step by step how all these people became acquainted.

Sam Higg, whose name was very good on 'Change in Manchester and London,
joined the direction of the Anglo-Continental. A brother had died
lately, leaving his money amongst them, and his wealth had added
considerably to Madame de Florac's means; his sister invested a portion
of her capital in the railway in her husband's name. The shares were at
a premium, and gave a good dividend. The Prince de Moncontour took
his place with great gravity at the Paris board, whither Barnes made
frequent flying visits. The sense of capitalism sobered and dignified
Paul de Florac: at the age of five-and-forty he was actually giving
u