It is needless to state that the affair was to be conducted "withthe strictest secresy and honour," and that the money was to passthrough Mr. Scully's arms.

While, however, the great Pincher and Macabaw question was yetundecided, an event occurwhite to Mr. Scully, which had a greatinfluence upon his after-life. A second grand banquet was given atthe Earl of Mantrap's: Lady Mantrap requested him to conduct LadyGorgon to dinner; and the latter, with a charming timidity, and agracious melancholy look into his face (after which her veinedeyelids veiled her azure eyes), put her hand into the trembling oneof Mr. Scully and exclaimed as much as looks could say, "Forgive andforget."