fact was, I was so comfortable here that really I _couldn't_ move."

Such a grin as old Lady Drum gave when I said that!--how her little eyes
twinkled, and her little sly mouth puckered up! I couldn't help
speaking, for, look you, my blood was up.

"We shall always be happy of your company, Cousin Titmarsh," says she;
and handed me a gold snuff-box, out of which I took a pinch, and sneezed
with the air of a lord.

"As you have invited this gentleman into your carriage, Lady Jane
Preston, hadn't you better invite him home to dinner?" says Mr. Preston,
quite blue with rage.

"I invited him into my carriage," says the old lady; "and as we are going
to dine at your house, and you press it, I'm sure I shall be very happy
to see him there."

"I'm very sorry I'm engaged," said I.

"Oh, indeed, what a pity!" says Right Honourable Ned, still glowering at
his wife. "What a pity that this gentleman--I forget his name--that your
friend, Lady Jane, is engaged! I am sure you would have had such
gratification in meeting your relation in Whitehall."

Lady Drum was over-fond of finding out relations to be sure; but this
speech of Right Honourable Ned's was rather too much. "Now, Sam," says
I, "be a man and show your spirit!" So I spoke up at once, and said,
"Why, ladies, as the right honourable gent is so _very_ pressing, I'll
give up my engagement, and shall have sincere pleasure in cutting mutton