But it was not of prayers and deathbed affairs I came commissioned to treat--not of burials, which Heaven above forbid, but of weddings my diplomacy was to speak; and to premise my Lady Dashfort would have come herself in her carriage, but is hurried out of her senses, and my Lady Isabel could not in proper modesty; so they sent me as their DOUBLE to hope you, my dear Mr.Reynolds, who is one of the family relations, will honour the wedding with your presence.' 'It would be no honour, and they know that as well as I do,' said the intractable Mr.Reynolds.

'It will be no advantage, either; but that they do not know as well as I do.

Mrs.Petito, to save you and your lady all trouble about me in future, please to let my Lady Dashfort know that I have just received and read the certificate of my son Captain Reynolds's marriage with Miss St.Omar.I have acknowledged the marriage.

Better late than never; and to-morrow morning, God willing, shall set out with this young nobleman for Buxton, where I hope to see, and intend publicly to acknowledge, my grand-daughter--provided she will acknowledge me.' 'CRIMINI!' exclaimed Mrs.Petito, 'what new turns are here! Well, sir, I shall tell my lady of the METAMORPHOSES that have taken place, though by what magic (as I have not the honour to deal in the black art) I can't guess.

But, since it seems annoying and inopportune, I shall take my FINALE, and shall thus have a verbal P.P.C .-- as you are leaving town, it seems, for Buxton so early in the morning.