strong waters.

So, having tipped off the cordial, Madame Bernstein rouses and asks Mrs.
Brett the news.

"He can give it you," says the waiting-woman, sulkily.

"He? Who?"

Mrs. Brett names Harry, and says Mr. Warrington arrived about midnight
yesterday--and Betty, my Lady Maria's maid, was with him. "And my Lady
Maria sends your ladyship her love and duty, and hopes you slept well,"
says Brett.

"Excellently, poor thing! Is Betty gone to her?"

"No; she is here," says Mrs. Brett.

"Let me see her directly," cries the old lady.

"I'll tell her," replies the obsequious Brett, and goes away upon
her mistress's errand, leaving the old lady placidly reposing on her
pillows. Presently, two pairs of high-heeled shoes are heard pattering
over the deal floor of the bedchamber. Carpets were luxuries scarcely
known in bedrooms of those days.

"So, Mrs. Betty, you were in London yesterday?" calls Bernstein from her
curtains.

"It is not Betty--it is I! Good morning, dear aunt! I hope you slept
well?" cries a voice which made old Bernstein start on her pillow. It
was the voice of Lady Maria, who drew the curtains aside, and dropped
her aunt a low curtsey. Lady Maria looked very pretty, rosy, and happy.
And with the little surprise incident at her appearance through Madame
Bernstein's curtains, I think we may bring this chapter to a close.

CHAPTER XXXIX. Harry to the Rescue

"My dear Lord March" (wrote Mr. Warrington from Tunbridge Wells, on
Saturday morning, the 25th August, 1756): "This is to inform you (with
satisfaction) that I have one all our three betts. I was at Bromley two
minutes within the hour; my new horses kep a-going at a capital rate. I
drove them myself, having the postilion by me to show me the way, and
my black man inside with Mrs. Betty. Hope they found the drive very
pleasant. We were not stopped on Blackheath, though two fellows on
horseback rode up to us, but not liking the looks of our countenantses,
rode off again; and we got into Tunbridge Wells (where I transacted my
business) at forty-five minutes after eleven. This makes me quitts with
your lordship after yesterday's piquet, which I shall be very happy to
give your revenge, and am--Your most obliged, faithful servant, H. ESMOND WARRINGTON."

And now, perhaps, the reader will understand by what means Lady Maria
Esmond was enabled to surprise her dear aunt in her bed on Saturday
mo