I was not aware of her departure, for I was at the office at the time; and strolling back at five with Gus, saw my dear Mary smiling and bobbing from the window, and beckoning to us both to come up.

This I thought was very strange, because Mrs.Hoggarty could not abide Hoskins, and indeed had told me repeatedly that either she or he must quit the house.

Well, we went upstairs, and there was Mary, who had dried her tears and received us with the most smiling of faces, and laughed and clapped her hands, and danced, and shook Gus's hand.

And what do you think the little rogue proposed?
I am blest if she did not say she would like to go to Vauxhall! As dinner was laid for three persons only, Gus took his seat with fear and trembling; and then Mrs.Sam Titmarsh related the circumstances which had occurred, and how Mrs.Hoggarty had been whisked away to Fulham in Mr.Brough's splendid carriage-and-four.

"Let her go," I am sorry to say, said I; and indeed we relished our veal-cutlets and jam-pudding a great deal more than Mrs.Hoggarty did her dinner off plate at the Rookery.
We had a very merry party to Vauxhall, Gus insisting on standing treat; and you may be certain that my aunt, whose absence was prolonged for three weeks, was heartily welcome to remain away, for we were much merrier and more comfortable without her.