Old times rushed back upon me--the remembrance of old services--his rescuing me from the brigands--his gallant conduct in the affair with the Countess Dei Spinachi--his lending me the 1,700L.

I almost burst into tears with joy--my voice trembled with emotion.

'George, my boy!' I exclaimed, 'George Marrowfat, my dear fellow! a glass of wine!' Blushing--deeply moved--almost as tremulous as I was myself, George answered, 'FRANK, SHALL IT BE HOCK OR MADEIRA?
I could have hugged him to my heart but for the presence of the company.

Little did Lady Golloper know what was the cause of the emotion which sent the duckling I was carving into her ladyship's pink satin lap.

The most good-natured of women pardoned the error, and the butler removed the bird.
We have been the closest friends over since, nor, of course, has George repeated his odious habit.