not been paid for? I desired the steward to see to it, and you know I
_depend_ on him to settle these matters."

The Honourable Mrs. Augustus Headerton rang the bell--"Send Martin up."

"Mister Martin," the lady began, "what is the reason that Mr. Langi's
account has not been paid?"

"My master, ma'am knows that I have been anxious for him to look over the
accounts; the goings-out are so very great, and the comings-in, as far as
I know"--The Honourable Mister Augustus Headerton spilt some of the
whiskey-punch he was drinking, over a splendid hearth-rug, which drew the
lady's attention from what would have been an unpleasant _eclaircissement_.

"I cannot understand why difficulties should arise. I am certain I brought
a fortune large enough for all extravagance," was the lady's constant
remark when expenditure was mentioned. Years pass over the heads of the
young--and they grow old; and over the heads of fools--but they never grow
wise.

The Honourable Mister and Mistress Augustus Headerton were examples of
this truth;--their children grew up around them--but could derive no
support from their parent root. The mother had _depended_ on governesses
and masters for the education of her girls--and on their beauty,
connexions, or accomplishments, to procure them husbands. The father did
not deem the labours of study fit occupation for the sons of an ancient
house:--"_Depend_ upon it," he would say, "they'll all do well with my
connexions--they will be able to command what they please." The Honourable
Mistress Augustus could not now boast of a full purse, for they had long
been living on the memory of their once ample fortune.