'There can be no action for breach, that's one comfort.

I've never committed myself in writing, Fred.' 'And what's in the letter, pray ?' 'A reminder, Fred, for to-night--a small party of twenty, making two hundred light fantastic toes in all, supposing every lady and gentleman to have the proper complement.

It must go, if it's only to begin breaking off the affair--I'll do it, don't you be afraid.

I should like to know whether she left this herself.

If she did, unconscious of any bar to her happiness, it's affecting, Fred.' To solve this question, Mr Swiveller summoned the handmaid and ascertained that Miss Sophy Wackles had indeed left the letter with her own hands; and that she had come accompanied, for decorum's sake no doubt, by a younger Miss Wackles; and that on learning that Mr Swiveller was at home and being requested to walk upstairs, she was extremely shocked and professed that she would rather die.