Jack, here, told me the flag was flying; and I said I only wished I'd known before, and I would certainly have proposed that Jack and I should dine with you, either to-day or to-morrow; but unfortunately I'd engaged myself to my Lord Barker's not five minutes before.' 'Ah, my lord!' exclaimed Jawleyford, throwing out his hand and shrugging his shoulders as if in despair, 'you tantalize me--you do indeed.

You should have come, or said nothing about it.

You distress me--you do indeed.' 'Well, I'm wrong, perhaps,' replied his lordship, patting Jawleyford encouragingly on the shoulder; 'but, however, I'll tell you what,' said he, 'Jack here's not engaged, and he shall come to you.' 'Most happy to see Mr .-- ha--hum--haw--Jack--that's to say, Mr.Spraggon,' replied Jawleyford, bowing very low, and laying his hand on his heart, as if quite overpowered at the idea of the honour.
'Then, that's a bargain.

Jack,' said his lordship, looking knowingly round at his much disconcerted friend; 'you dine and stay all night at Jawleyford Court to-morrow! and mind,' added he, 'make yourself 'greeable to the girls--ladies, that's to say.' 'Couldn't your lordship arrange it so that we might have the pleasure of seeing you both on some future day ?' asked Jawleyford, anxious to avert the Jack calamity.

'Say next week,' continued he; 'or suppose you meet at the Court ?' 'Ha--he--hum.