our
her with their company on Tuesday evening at eight, to meet a few
frinds.' It's a dance," said the major. "That accounts for the harp
and the tables and binches and wine cases I saw going in this morning."

"Will you go?"

"Yes, of course I will, and so shall you. We'd better answer it."

So in due course an acceptance was sent across to Mrs. Scully's
hospitable invitation.

Never was there such a brushing and scrubbing in the bedroom of a couple
of quiet bachelors as occurred some two evenings afterwards in the top
story of Mrs. Robins' establishment. The major's suit had been pursued
unremittingly since his first daring advance upon the widow, but under
many difficulties and discouragements. In the occasional chance
interviews which he had with his attractive neighbour he became more and
more enamoured, but he had no opportunity of ascertaining whether the
feeling was mutual. This invitation appeared to promise him the very
chance which he desired, and many were the stern resolutions which he
formed as he stood in front of his toilet-table and arranged his tie and
his shirt front to his satisfaction. Von Baumser, who was arrayed in a
dress coat of antiquated shape, and very shiny about the joints, sat on
the side of the bed, eyeing his companion's irreproachable get-up with
envy and admiration.

"It fits you beautiful," he said, alluding to the coat.

"It came from Poole's," answered the major carelessly.

"As for me," said Von Baumser, "I have never used mine in England at
all. Truly, as you know, I hate all dances and dinners. I come with
you, however, very willingly, for I would not for nothing in the world
give offence to the liebchen of my comrade. Since I go, I shall go as a
gentleman should." He looked down as he spoke with much satisfaction at
his withered suit of black.

"But, me good fellow," cried the major, who had now completed his
toilet, "you've got your tie under your lift ear. It looks very quaint
and ornamintal there, but still it's not quite the place for it.
You look as if you were ticketed for sale."

"They von't see it unless I puts it out sidevays from under my beard,"
the German said apologetically. "However, if you think it should be
hidden, it shall be so. How are my stud-buttons? You have them of
gold, I see, but mine are of mother-of-oysters."

"Mother-of-pearl," said the major, laughing. "They will do very well.
There's the divil of a lot of cabs at their do