For instance: 'Well, Robert, have you been at Dulverton to-day ?' Answer, 'No, I've not been at Dulverton to-day.' Question, 'Are you going to Dulverton to-morrow ?' Answer, 'No, I'm not going to Dulverton to-morrow.' Having shaken hands with the party all round, and turned to the fire to warm his red fists, Jawleyford having stood at 'attention' for such time as he thought Mrs.Foozle would be occupied before the glass in his study arranging her head-gear, and seeing no symptoms of any further announcement, at last asked Foozle if his papa and mamma were not coming.
'No, my papa and mamma are not coming,' replied he.
'Are you sure ?' asked Jawleyford, in a tone of excitement.
'Quite sure,' replied Foozle, in the most matter-of-course voice.
[Illustration: MR.

ROBERT FOOZLE] 'The deuce!' exclaimed Jawleyford, stamping his foot upon the soft rug, adding, 'it never rains but it pours!' 'Have you any note, or anything ?' asked Mrs.Jawleyford, who had followed Robert Foozle into the room.
'Yes, I have a note,' replied he, diving into the inner pocket of his coat, and producing one.

The note was a letter--a letter from Mrs.Foozle to Mrs.
Jawleyford, three sides and crossed; and seeing the magnitude thereof, Mrs.
Jawleyford quietly put it into her reticule, observing, 'that she hoped Mr.
and Mrs.Foozle were well ?' 'Yes, they are well,' replied Robert, notwithstanding he had express orders to say that his papa had the toothache, and his mamma the earache.
Jawleyford then gave a furious ring at the bell for dinner, and in due course of time the party of six proceeded to a table for twelve.

Sponge pawned Mrs.Jawleyford off upon Robert Foozle, which gave Sponge the right to the fair Amelia, who walked off on his arm with a toss of her head at Emily, as though she thought him the finest, sprightliest man under the sun.

Emily followed, and Jawleyford came sulking in alone, sore put out at the failure of what he meant for _the_ grand entertainment.
Lights blazed in profusion; lamps more accustomed had now become better behaved; and the whole strength of the plate was called in requisition, sadly puzzling the unfortunate cook to find something to put upon the dishes.