ith whom, as
I have said, I took particular care to be friends; nor was I denied
admission by his porter, when I chose to call, as before.

Her Ladyship had most likely bribed that person, as I had; for she had
found her way up, though denied admission; and, in fact, I had watched
her from her own house to Lord George Poynings' lodgings, and seen her
descend from her chair there and enter, before I myself followed her. I
proposed to await her quietly in the ante-room, to make a scene there,
and reproach her with infidelity, if necessary; but matters were, as
it happened, arranged much more conveniently for me; and walking,
unannounced, into the outer room of his Lordship's apartments, I had the
felicity of hearing in the next chamber, of which the door was partially
open, the voice of my Calista. She was in full cry, appealing to the
poor patient, as he lay confined in his bed, and speaking in the most
passionate manner. 'What can lead you, George,' she said, 'to doubt of
my faith? How can you break my heart by casting me off in this monstrous
manner? Do you wish to drive your poor Calista to the grave? Well, well,
I shall join there the dear departed angel.'

'Who entered it three months since,' said Lord George, with a sneer.
'It's a wonder you have survived so long.'

'Don't treat your poor Calista in this cruel cruel manner, Antonio!'
cried the widow.

'Bah!' said Lord George, 'my wound is bad. My doctors forbid me much
talk. Suppose your Antonio tired, my dear. Can't you console yourself
with somebody else?'

'Heavens, Lord George! Antonio!'

'Console yourself with Eugenio,' said the young nobleman bitterly, and
began ringing his bell; on which his valet, who was in an inner room,
came out, and he bade him show her Ladyship downstairs.

Lady Lyndon issued from the room in the greatest flurry. She was dressed
in deep weeds, with a veil over her face, and did not recognise the
person waiting in the outer apartment. As she went down the stairs, I
stepped lightly after her, and as her chairman opened her door, sprang
forward, and took her hand to place her in the vehicle. 'Dearest widow,'
said I, 'his Lordship spoke correctly. Console yourself with Eugenio!'
She was too frightened even to scream, as her chairman carried her away.
She was set down at her house, and you may be sure that I was at the
chair-door, as before, to help her out.

'Monstrous man!' said she, 'I desire you to leave me.'

'Madam, it woul