When I say `away.' One, two, three, and a--" At the last syllable there arose a sudden and terrific shout which sent Mrs Cruden nearly into a fit, and made the loosely-hung windows rattle as if an infernal machine had just exploded on the premises.
The shout was immediately followed by a loud chorus of laughter, and cries of,-- "Well, have you guessed it ?" "Yes, I know what it is," said the pleasant young lady.

"Do you know, Mr Booms ?" "No," he said, sadly; "how could I guess?
What is it, Miss Crisp ?" "Why, `Love me, _love_ my dog,' isn't it ?" "Right.

Well guessed!" cried every one; and amid the general felicitation that ensued the successful proverb-guessers were made room for in the magic circle, and Horace had a chance of exchanging "How d'ye do ?" with Mr Booms.
"Who'd have thought of meeting you here ?" said he, in a whisper.
"I didn't expect to meet you," said the melancholy one.

"I say, Cruden, please don't mention--_her_." "Her?
Whom ?" said Horace, bewildered.
Booms's reply was a mournful inclination of the head in the direction of Miss Crisp.
"Oh, I see.

All right, old man.