old man, and call things by their names. Now, will you let me
whisper in your ear one word of truth? You have tried all sorts of
remonstrances, and exerted yourself to maintain your influence in
every way, except the right one, and that is--"

"What, in Heaven's name?"

"Conciliation. We know your situation in the borough. Mr. Scully's
whole history, and, pardon me for saying so (but we men in office
know everything), yours--"

Lady Gorgon's ears and cheeks now assumed the hottest hue of
crimson. She thought of her former passages with Scully, and of the
days when--but never mind when: for she suffered her veil to fall,
and buried her head in the folds of her handkerchief. Vain folds!
The wily little Mr. Crampton could see all that passed behind the
cambric, and continued--

"Yes, madam, we know the absurd hopes that were formed by a certain
attorney twenty years since. We know how, up to this moment, he
boasts of certain walks--"

"With the governess--we were always with the governess!" shrieked
out Lady Gorgon, clasping her hands. "She was not the wisest of
women."

"With the governess, of course," said Mr. Crampton, firmly. "Do you
suppose that any man dare breathe a syllable against your spotless
reputation? Never, my dear madam; but what I would urge is this-
-you have treated your disappointed admirer too cruelly."