Yet almost all Johns have been Jacks, and Jack, in point of respectability, is the very reverse of John.

How it is, or when it is, that the Jacks become re-Johned, and go back to the original and excellent name given to them by their godfathers and godmothers, nobody ever knows.

Jack Neville, probably through some foolish fondness on his mother's part, had never been re-Johned,--and consequently the Earl, when he made up his mind to receive his sister-in-law, was at first unwilling to invite his younger nephew.

"But he is in the Engineers," said Lady Scroope.

The argument had its weight, and Jack Neville was invited.