At last Pratt suggested that, perhaps, though everything else had failed, dried salmon might be tried with success.

Lord Clonbrony had just had some uncommonly good from Ireland, which Pratt knew Lady St.James would like to have at her supper, because a certain personage, whom she would not name, was particularly fond of it .-- Wheel within wheel in the fine world, as well as in the political world!--Bribes for all occasions, and for all ranks! The timely present was sent, accepted with many thanks, and understood as it was meant.

Per favour of this propitiatory offering, and of a promise of half a dozen pair of real Limerick gloves to Miss Pratt--a promise which Pratt clearly comprehended to be a conditional promise--the grand object was at length accomplished.

The very day before the party was to take place came cards of invitation to Lady Clonbrony and to Miss Nugent, with Lady St.James's apologies; her ladyship was concerned to find that, by some negligence of her servants, these cards were not sent in proper time.

'How slight an apology will do from some people!' thought Miss Nugent; 'how eager to forgive, when it is for our interest or our pleasure; how well people act the being deceived, even when all parties know that they see the whole truth; and how low pride will stoop to gain its object!' Ashamed of the whole transaction, Miss Nugent earnestly wished that a refusal should be sent, and reminded her aunt of her rheumatism; but rheumatism and all other objections were overruled--Lady Clonbrony would go.