"Mr. Perkins regrets, madam," said John, making a bow to Miss
Henrietta, "that he is not able to dance this evening. I am this
moment obliged to look to the supper; but you will find, no doubt,
some other PERSON who will have much pleasure."

"Go to -----, sir!" screamed the General, starting up, and shaking
his cane.

"Calm yourself, dearest George," said Lady Gorgon, clinging fondly
to him. Fitch twiddled his moustaches. Miss Henrietta Gorgon
stared with open mouth. The silks of the surrounding dowagers
rustled--the countenances of all looked grave.

"I will follow you, sir, wherever you please; and you may hear of me
whenever you like," said Mr. Perkins, bowing and retiring. He heard
little Lucy sobbing in a corner. He was lost at once--lost in love;
he felt as if he could combat fifty generals! he never was so happy
in his life.

The supper came; but as that meal cost five shillings a head,
General Gorgon dismissed the four spinsters of his family homewards
in the carriage, and so saved himself a pound. This added to Jack
Perkins's wrath; he had hoped to have seen Miss Lucy once more. He
was a steward, and, in the General's teeth, would have done his
duty. He was thinking how he would have helped her to the most
delicate chicken-wings and blancmanges, how he WOULD have made her
take champagne. Under the noses of indignant aunt and uncle, what
glorious fun it would have been!

Out of place as Mr. Scully's present was, and though Lady Gorgon and