At the supper, Mr. Raikes made his bow. He was modest and reserved. It was known that this young gentleman acted as shopman there. With a tenderness for his position worthy of all respect, the Countess spared his feelings by totally ignoring his presence; whereat he, unaccustomed to such great-minded treatment, retired to bed, a hater of his kind. Harriet and Caroline went next. The Countess said she would wait up for Evan, but hearing that his hours of return were about the chimes of matins, she cried exultingly: 'Darling Papa all over!' and departed likewise. Mrs. Mel, when she had mixed Old Tom's third glass, wished the brothers good night, and they were left to exchange what sentiments they thought proper for the occasion. The Countess had certainly, disappointed Old Tom's farce, in a measure; and he expressed himself puzzled by her. 'You ain't the only one,' said his brother. Andrew, with some effort, held his tongue concerning the news of Evan--his fortune and his folly, till he could talk to the youth in person. All took their seats at the early breakfast next morning. 'Has Evan not come--home yet?' was the Countess's first question. Mrs. Mel replied, 'No.' 'Do you know where he has gone, dear Mama?' 'He chooses his own way.' 'And you fear that it leads somewhere?' added the Countess. 'I fear that it leads to knocking up the horse he rides.' 'The horse, Mama! He is out on a horse all night! But don't you see, dear old pet! his morals, at least, are safe on horseback.' 'The horse has to be paid for, Louisa,' said her mother, sternly; and then, for she had a lesson to read to the guests of her son, 'Ready money doesn't come by joking. What will the creditors think? If he intends to be honest in earnest, he must give up four-feet mouths.' 'Fourteen-feet, ma'am, you mean,' said Old Tom, counting the heads at table. 'Bravo, Mama!' cried the Countess, and as she was sitting near her mother, she must show how prettily she kissed, by pouting out her playful lips to her parent. 'Do be economical always! And mind! for the sake of the wretched animals, I will intercede for you to be his inspector of stables.' This, with a glance of intelligence at her sisters. 'Well, Mr. Raikes,' said Andrew, 'you keep good hours, at all events-- eh?' 'Up with the lark,' said Old Tom. 'Ha! 'fraid he won't be so early when he gets rid of his present habits--eh?' 'Nec dierum numerum, ut nos, sed noctium computant,' said Mr. Raikes, and both the brothers sniffed like dogs that have put their noses to a hot coal, and the Countess, who was less insensible to the aristocracy of the dead languages than are women generally, gave him the recognition that is occasionally afforded the family tutor. About the hour of ten Evan arrived. He was subjected to the hottest embrace he had ever yet received from his sister Louisa.