The anecdote was of the character of an apologue, and pertained to game.

This was, as it happened, a misfortune; for Mr.
Raikes had felt himself left behind by the subject; and the stuff that was in this young man being naturally ebullient, he lay by to trip it, and take a lead.

His remarks brought on him a shrewd cut from the Countess, which made matters worse; for a pun may also breed puns, as doth an anecdote.

The Countess's stroke was so neat and perfect that it was something for the gentlemen to think over; and to punish her for giving way to her cleverness and to petty vexation, 'Hem!' sounded once more, and then: 'May I ask you if the present Baronet is in England ?' Now Lady Jocelyn perceived that some attack was directed against her guest.

She allowed the Countess to answer: 'The eldest was drowned in the Lisbon waters' And then said: 'But who is it that persists in serving up the funeral baked meats to us ?' Mrs.Shorne spoke for her neighbour: 'Mr.Farnley's cousin was the steward of Sir Abraham Harrington's estates.' The Countess held up her head boldly.