Perkins, at last, saw that little General, in black frock-coat andspotless buff gloves, saunter scowling home; and half an hour beforehis arrival had witnessed the entrance of Jerningham, and the threegaunt Miss Gorgons, poodle, son-and-heir, and French governess,protected by him, into Sir Carter's mansion.

"Can she be going to stay all night?" mused poor Harold, after beingon the watch for three hours: when presently, to his inexpressibledelight, he saw a fairly dirty hackney-coach clatter up to the Gorgondoor, out of which first issued the ruby plush breeches and stalwartcalves of Mr. Jerningham; these were followed by his body, and thenthe gentleman, ringing modestly, was admitted.