imprudent spirit; his affairs, I fear, are terribly involved. When I
knew him, papa was, as you are aware, a poor man. This marriage would
have cured all; my Digby, I wish it to take place.'

'How can we effect it?' asked Lord Montfort.

'Become his friend, dear Digby. I always think you can do anything. Yes!
my only trust is in you. Oh! my Digby, make us all happy.'

Lord Montfort rose and walked up and down the room, apparently in
profound meditation. At length he said, 'Rest assured, Henrietta, that
to secure your happiness nothing shall ever be wanting on my part. I
will see Mr. Glastonbury on this subject. At present, dearest, let us
think of lighter things.'

CHAPTER VIII.

_Which Is Rather Strange_.

IT WAS on the morning after the assembly at Bellair House that Ferdinand
was roused from his welcome slumbers, for he had passed an almost
sleepless night, by his servant bringing him a note, and telling him
that it had been left by a lady in a carriage. He opened it, and read as
follows:--

'Silly, silly Captain Armine! why did you not come to my Vauxhall last
night? I wanted to present you to the fairest damsel in the world, who
has a great fortune too; but that you don't care about. When are you
going to be married? Miss Grandison looked charming, but disconsolate
without her knight. Your mother is an angel, and the Duchess of-----is
quite in love with her. Your father, too, is a worthy man. I love your
family very much. Come and call upon poor old doting bedridden H. B.,
who is at home every day from two to six to receive her friends. Has
charming Lady Armine got a page? I have one that would just suit her. He
teases my poor squirrel so that I am obliged to turn him away; but he is
a real treasure. That fine lady, Mrs. Montgomery Floyd, would give her
ears for him; but I love your mother much more, and so she shall have
him. He shall come to her to-night. All the world takes tea with H. B.
on Thursday and Saturday.'

'One o'clock!' said Ferdinand. 'I may as well get up and call in
Brook-street, and save my mother from this threatened infliction.
Heigho! Day after day, and each more miserable than the other. How will
this end?'

When Ferdinand arrived in Brook-street, he went up stairs without
being announced, and found in the drawing-room, besides his mother and
Katherine, the duchess, Lord Montfort, and Henrietta Temple.

The young ladies were in their riding-habits. Henrietta appeared be