Now I had to fire at the whole Rookery; and off I went, primed and loaded, sir,--primed and loaded.
"It was past eight when I arrived, and I saw, after I passed the lodge- gates, a figure that I knew, walking in the shrubbery--that of your respected aunt, sir: but I wished to meet the amiable ladies of the house before I saw her; because look, friend Titmarsh, I saw by Mrs.Hoggarty's letter, that she and they were at daggers drawn, and hoped to get her out of the house at once by means of a quarrel with them." I laughed, and owned that Mr.Smithers was a very cunning fellow.
"As luck would have it," continued he, "Miss Brough was in the drawing- room twangling on a guitar, and singing most atrociously out of tune; but as I entered at the door, I cried 'Hush!' to the footman, as loud as possible, stood stock-still, and then walked forward on tip-toe lightly.
Miss B.could see in the glass every movement that I made; she pretended not to see, however, and finished the song with a regular roulade.
"'Gracious Heaven!' said I, 'do, madam, pardon me for interrupting that delicious harmony,--for coming unaware upon it, for daring uninvited to listen to it.' "'Do you come for Mamma, sir ?' said Miss Brough, with as much graciousness as her physiognomy could command.

'I am Miss Brough, sir.' "'I wish, madam, you would let me not breathe a word regarding my business until you have sung another charming strain.' "She did not sing, but looked pleased, and said, 'La! sir, what is your business ?' "'My business is with a lady, your respected father's guest in this house.' "'Oh, Mrs.Hoggarty!' says Miss Brough, flouncing towards the bell, and ringing it.

'John, send to Mrs.Hoggarty, in the shrubbery; here is a gentleman who wants to see her.' "'I know,' continued I, 'Mrs.Hoggarty's peculiarities as well as anyone, madam; and aware that those and her education are not such as to make her a fit companion for you.

I know you do not like her: she has written to us in Somersetshire that you do not like her.' "'What! she has been abusing us to her friends, has she ?' cried Miss Brough (it was the very point I wished to insinuate).

'If she does not like us, why does she not leave us ?' "'She _has_ made rather a long visit,' said I; 'and I am sure that her nephew and niece are longing for her return.