From the first moment I saw you, I liked you; lucky too that you brought your dog with you! 'Twas Hannibal made me first let you in; I saw him over the top of the blind .-- Hannibal, my good fellow! I'm more obliged to you than you can guess.' 'So are we all,' said Lord Colambre.
Hannibal was well patted, and then they parted.

In returning home they met Sir James Brooke.
'I told you,' said Sir James, 'I should be in London almost as soon as you.

Have you found old Reynolds!' 'Just come from him.' 'How does your business prosper! I hope as well as mine.' A history of all that had passed up to the present moment was given, and hearty congratulations received.
'Where are you going now, Sir James ?--cannot you come with us ?' said Lord Colambre and the count.
'Impossible,' replied Sir James;--'but, perhaps, you can come with me--I'm going to Gray's, to give some old family diamonds, either to be new set or exchanged.

Count O'Halloran, I know you are a judge of these things; pray, come and give me your opinion.' 'Better consult your bride elect!' said the count.
'No; she knows little of the matter--and cares less,' replied Sir James.
'Not so this bride elect, or I mistake her much,' said the count, as they passed by the window and saw Lady Isabel, who, with Lady Dashfort, had been holding consultation deep with the jeweller; and Heathcock, playing PERSONNAGE MUET.
Lady Dashfort, who had always, as old Reynolds expressed it, 'her head upon her shoulders'-- presence of mind where her interests were concerned--ran to the door before the count and Lord Colambre could enter, giving a hand to each--as if they had all parted the best friends in the world.
'How do?
how do ?--Give you joy! give me joy! and all that.

But mind! not a word,' said she, laying her finger upon her lips--'not a word before Heathcock of old Reynolds, or of the best part of the old fool,--his fortune!' The gentlemen bowed, in sign of submission to her ladyship's commands; and comprehended that she feared Heathcock might be OFF, if the best part of his bride (her fortune, or her EXPECTATIONS) were lowered in value or in prospect.
'How low is she reduced,' whispered Lord Colambre, 'when such a husband is thought a prize--and to be secured by a manoeuvre!' He sighed.
'Spare that generous sigh!' said Sir James Brooke; 'it is wasted.' Lady Isabel, as they approached, turned from a mirror, at which she was trying on a diamond crescent.