Still Sponge was a wary bird, and his experience of the worthlessness of most general invitations made him think it just possible that it might not suit Mr.Jawleyford to receive him now, at the particular time he wanted to go; so after duly considering the case, and also the impressive nature of the invitation, so recently given, too, he determined not to give Jawleyford the chance of refusing him, but just to say he was coming, and drop down upon him before he could say 'no.' Accordingly, he penned the following epistle: 'BANTAM HOTEL, BOND-STREET, LONDON.
'DEAR JAWLEYFORD, 'I purpose being with you to-morrow, by the express train, which I see, by Bradshaw, arrives at Lucksford a quarter to three.

I shall only bring two hunters and a hack, so perhaps you could oblige me by taking them in for the short time I shall stay, as it would not be convenient for me to separate them.

Hoping to find Mrs.Jawleyford and the young ladies well, I remain, dear sir, 'Yours very truly, 'H.

SPONGE.
'To--JAWLEYFORD, Esq., Jawleyford Court, Lucksford.' 'Curse the fellow!' exclaimed Jawleyford, nearly choking himself with a fish bone, as he opened and read the foregoing at breakfast.

'Curse the fellow!' he repeated, stamping the letter under foot, as though he would crush it to atoms.