To watch Guy was one of Charles's chief amusements, and he rejoiced
greatly in the prospect of hearing his history of his first dinner-
party. Mr., Mrs. and Miss Edmonstone, and Sir Guy Morville, were
invited to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Brownlow. Mr. Edmonstone was
delighted as usual with any opportunity of seeing his neighbours; Guy
looked as if he did not know whether he liked the notion or not; Laura
told him it would be very absurd and stupid, but there would be some
good music, and Charles ordered her to say no more, that he might have
the account, the next morning, from a fresh and unprejudiced mind.

The next morning's question was, of course, 'How did you like your
party?'

'O, it was great fun.' Guy's favourite answer was caught up in the
midst, as Laura replied, 'It was just what parties always are.'

'Come, let us have the history. Who handed who in to dinner? I hope
Guy had Mrs. Brownlow.'

'Oh no,' said Laura; we had both the honourables.'

'Not Philip!'

'No,' said Guy; 'the fidus Achetes was without his pious Aeneas.'

'Very good, Guy,' said Charles, enjoying the laugh.

'I could not help thinking of it,' said Guy, rather apologising, 'when
I was watching Thorndale's manner; it is such an imitation of Philip;
looking droller, I think, in his absence, than in his presence. I