During the progress of the latter, which was protracted by an infinity of _entrées_ and courses, yet was perfect in all its details, the quartette, on whom the butler and two tall valets were in attendance, found plenty to talk of. The expected departure of the regiment and other troops to the scene of a coming war in Africa; the last run with the Royal Buckhounds; the county news; the coming ball; who were invited and who were not, as ineligible; and some of the conversation on this mooted point reminded Bevil Goring of the proclivities of Sir Ranald Cheyne, as also did the amount of heraldry displayed on plate, the china, and everything, from the great silver epergne to the fruit knives, but it was precisely the same with my Lord Cadbury, the man of yesterday. Here, however, it was, 'the genuine article;' on a _fesse_ three eagles' heads and as many escalop shells, gules, crested with the eagle's head of Wilmot, given to the first of the name, Wyliamot, who, according to Dugdale, was settled antecedent to the Conquest in Nottinghamshire, though, unfortunately for Dugdale's veracity, the science of heraldry was unknown in England till long after that event. 'Mr. Chevenix wishes to see you on some important business to-morrow, Jerry,' said Lady Wilmot, when the dessert was over and the servants had withdrawn. 'All right, mater; I'll ride over to-morrow probably--nay, certainly. Try the burgundy, Goring; there are Romanée, Conti, and Chablis before you.' 'The latter--thanks, Jerry.' 'Miss Chevenix is at home just now,' observed Lady Wilmot, with a furtive glance at her son. 'I know; she returned, or was to return, yesterday.' 'You seem well aware of her movements; but of what interest are they to you, Jerry?' 'Every pretty girl's movements are of interest to me,' replied Jerry, laughing. There was a mischievous pout on Cousin Emily's pouting lips, that were like two rose-buds; but his mother's curled slightly with disdain. 'She is handsome, certainly,' said Jerry, emphatically; 'appeal to Goring that she is.' 'And rather good style, considering her origin,' added Lady Wilmot. 'Well, it is better surely to be all that than plain.' '_Cela dépend_,' laughed Cousin Emily; 'it makes no difference to me.' But Jerry knew that it did make a difference; however, he said-- 'You, Emily, may well afford to hear any woman praised.' 'But what can Mr. Chevenix want with you, Jerry?' asked Lady Julia. 'Can't say, mater dear--business or some such bother, of course.' 'People of his class should wait till they are sent for.' 'His class?' 'Well; he is only a village attorney.' 'A very fine old man, who has had many business transactions with the governor before my time.' 'Slang again, Jerry! Does he pick up all that kind of thing in barracks, Captain Goring?' 'Very probably; it is the style of the day,' replied Goring, laughing. 'It is a very bad style, Jerry dear,' said Emily, gently.