17 



CHAPTER II. 



A FEAV weeks after the foregoing events, Footit, the 

 butler, enters the room and hands Mr. Goodbery, on an 

 old silver salver, an important-looking envelope, bearing 

 a large red seal with the crest of a mailed arm and 

 sword. Letters, in those days, were greater rarities 

 than in the present day, and Mr. Goodbery hastily 

 opens the envelope, withdraws the contents, and reads 

 as follows : — 



'' Buckskin Hall, 



"December 17th, 17 — . 

 " My dear Goodbery, — We are having our usual 

 Christmas gathering this year on the 24th, and are 

 looking forward to seeing you. No ceremony. You will 

 meet with the same party as hitherto. Get here as early 

 as you can, as you know we dine at five, and bring your 

 appetite with you. All news till we meet. 



" Your sincere old friend, 



"John Jarvis." 



From this moment Mr. Goodbery is in a fever of 

 excitement, and at once communicates the contents of 

 the letter to Mrs. Stores, his housekeeper, who is busily 

 engaged the whole day looking out suitable clothes 

 for her master's visit to Buckskin Hall. The gold 

 eye-glass and snuff-box, though not in general use, 

 are produced for the occasion. " Who can tell," 



