exciseable articles, I cannot help thinking that affairs are
more serious than you imagine. I know the government are all
on the 'qui vive.'"

"Just the fellows we wanted!" exclaimed Lord Fitz-Heron, who
was leaning on the arm of Lord Milford, and who met Mr Egerton
and his friend in Pall Mall.

"We want a brace of pairs," said Lord Milford. "Will you two
fellows pair?"

"I must go down," said Mr Egerton; "but I will pair from
halfpast seven to eleven."

"I just paired with Ormsby at White's," said Berners; "not
half an hour ago. We are both going to dine at Eskdale's, and
so it was arranged. Have you any news to-day?"

"Nothing; except that they say that Alfred Mountchesney is
going to marry Lady Joan Fitz-Warene," said Lord Milford.

"She has been given to so many," said Mr Egerton.

"It is always so with these great heiresses," said his
companion. "They never marry. They cannot bear the thought
of sharing their money. I bet Lady Joan will turn out another
specimen of the TABITHA CROESUS."

"Well, put down our pair, Egerton," said Lord Fitz-Heron.
"You do not dine at Sidonia's by any chance?"