MR. sponge's sporting tour. 167 



" Five minutes to eight," replied Jawleyford, looking at a time- 

 piece. 



When Jack got into his own den he threw himself into an old 

 invalid chair, and sat rubbing the fractured spectacles together as if 

 he thought they would unite by friction, though in reality he was 

 endeavouring to run the overnight's proceedings through his mind. 

 The more he thought of Amelia's winning ways, the more satisfied 

 he was that he had made an impression, and then the more vexed he 

 was at having his spectacles broken ; for though he considered him- 

 self very presentable without them, still he could not but feel that 

 they were a desirable addition. Then, too, he had a splitting head- 

 ache ; and finding that breakfast was not till ten, and might be a 

 good deal later, all things considered, he determined to be off, and 

 follow up his success under more favourable auspices. Considering 

 that all the clothes he had with him were his lordship's, he thought 

 it immaterial which he went home in, so to save trouble he just 

 wrapped himself up in his mackintosh and travelled in the dress ones 

 he had on. 



It was fortunate for Mr. Sponge thot he went, for, when Jawley- 

 ford smelt the indignity that had been offered to his dining-room, he 

 broke out in such a torrent of indignation as would have been ex- 

 tremely unpleasant if there had not been some one to lay the blame 

 on. Indeed, he was not particularly gracious to Mr. Sponge as it 

 was ; but that arose as much from certain dark hints that had worked 

 their way from the servants' hall into " my lady's chamber " as to 

 our friend's pecuniary resources and prospects. Jawleyford began 

 to suspect that Sponge might not be quite the great " catch " he was 

 represented. 



Beyond, however, putting a few searching questions — which Mr. 

 Sponge skilfully parried — advising his daughters to be cautious, 

 lessening the number of lights, and lowering the scale of his enter- 

 tainments generally, Mr. Jawleyford did not take any decided step 

 in the matter. Mr. Spraggon comforted Lord Scamperdale with the 

 assurance that Amelia had no idea of Sponge, who he made no doubt 

 would very soon be out of the country — and his lordship went to 

 church and prayed most devoutly for him to go. 



