213 



on with the new love before she was off with the old. Sponge, there- 

 fore, was to be in abeyance. 



We mentioned the delight infused into Jawleyford Court by the 

 receipt of Lord Scamperdale's letter, volunteering a visit, nor was 

 his lordship less gratified at hearing in reply that Mr. Sponge was 

 on the eve of departure, leaving the coast clear for his reception. 

 His lordship was not only delighted at getting rid of his horror, but 

 at proving the superiority of his judgment over that of Jack, who 

 had always stoutly maintained that the only way to get rid of Mr. 

 Sponge was by buying his horses. 



" Well, that's good" said his lordship, as he read the letter; 

 " that's good" repeated he with a hearty slap of his thigh. " Jaw's 

 not such a bad chap after all ; worse chaps in the world than Jaw." 

 And his lordship worked away at the point till he very nearly got 

 him up to be a good chap. 



They say it never rains but it pours, and letters seldom come 

 singly, at least if they do, they are quickly followed by others. 



As Jack and his lordship were discussing their gin, after a repast 

 of cow-heel and batter-pudding, Baggs entered with the old brown 

 weather-bleached letter-bag, containing a county paper, the second- 

 hand copy of BelVs Life, that his lordship and Frostyface took in 

 between them, and a very natty " thick cream-laid " paper note. 



11 That must be from a lady," observed Jack, squinting ardently 

 at the writing, as his lordship inspected the fine seal. 



" Xot far wrong," replied his lordship. " From a ladylike fellow, 

 at all events," said he, reading the words " Kanby House " in the 

 wax. 



" What can old Puffey be wanting now ? " inquired Jack. 



" Some bother about hounds, most likely," replied his lordship, 

 breaking the seal, adding, " the thing's always amusing itself with 

 playing at sportsman. Hang his impudence ! " exclaimed his lord- 

 ship, as he opened the note. 



" What's happened now ? " asked Jack. 



" How d'ye think he begins ? " asked his lordship, looking at his 

 friend. 



" Can't tell, I'm sure," said Jack, squinting his eyes inside out. 



" Dear Scamp ! " exclaimed his lordship, throwing out his arms. 



" Dear Scamp ! " repeated Jack in astonishment. " It must be a 

 mistake. It must be dear Frost, not dear Scamp." 



" Dear Scamp is the word," repliedhis lordship, again applying 

 himself to the letter. " Dear Scamp," repeated he, with a snort, 

 adding, " the impudent button-maker ! I'll dear Scamp him ! ' Dear 

 Scamp, our friend Sponge ! ' Bo-o-y the powers, just fancy that ! " 

 exclaimed his lordship, throwing himself back in his chair, as if 

 thoroughly overcome with disgust. " Our friend Sponge ! the man 

 who nearly knocked me into the middle of the week after next — the 



