ansion in a spacious square; and Somerset, who was possessed of
an excellent temper, with the best grace in the world assisted the lady
to alight. The door was opened by an old woman of a grim appearance, who
ushered the pair into a dining-room somewhat dimly lighted, but already
laid for supper, and occupied by a prodigious company of large and
valuable cats. Here, as soon as they were alone, the lady divested
herself of the lace in which she was enfolded; and Somerset was relieved
to find, that although still bearing the traces of great beauty, and
still distinguished by the fire and colour of her eye, her hair was of
silvery whiteness and her face lined with years.

"And now, _mon preux_," said the old lady, nodding at him with a quaint
gaiety, "you perceive that I am no longer in my first youth. You will
soon find that I am all the better company for that."

As she spoke, the maid re-entered the apartment with a light but
tasteful supper. They sat down, accordingly, to table, the cats with
savage pantomime surrounding the old lady's chair; and what with the
excellence of the meal and the gaiety of his entertainer, Somerset was
soon completely at his ease. When they had well eaten and drunk, the old
lady leaned back in her chair, and taking a cat upon her lap, subjected
her guest to a prolonged but evidently mirthful scrutiny.

"I fear, madam," said Somerset, "that my manners have not risen to the
height of your preconceived opinion."

"My dear young man," she replied, "you were never more mistaken in your
life. I find you charming, and you may very well have lighted on a fairy
godmother. I am not one of those who are given to change their opinions,
and short of substantial demerit, those who have once gained my favour
continue to enjoy it; but I have a singular swiftness of decision, read
my fellow men and women with a glance, and have acted throughout life on
first impressions. Yours, as I tell you, has been favourable; and if, as
I suppose, you are a young fellow of somewhat idle habits, I think it
not improbable that we may strike a bargain."

"Ah, madam," returned Somerset, "you have divined my situation. I am a
man of birth, parts, and breeding; excellent company, or at least so I
find myself; but by a peculiar iniquity of fate, destitute alike of
trade or money. I was, indeed, this evening upon the quest of an
adventure, resolved to close with any offer of interest, emolument, or
pleasure; and your summons