“Why, no, madam; I fear I cannot give myself that pleasure to-day.” Sir Charles did not choose to swell the triumph. “Mr. Vane, good day!” said he, rather dryly. “Mr. Triplet--madam--your most obedient!” and, self-possessed at top, but at bottom crestfallen, he bowed himself away. Sir Charles, however, on descending the stair and gaining the street, caught sight of a horseman, riding uncertainly about, and making his horse curvet, to attract attention. He soon recognized one of his own horses, and upon it the servant he had left behind to dog that poor innocent country lady. The servant sprang off his horse and touched his hat. He informed his master that he had kept with the carriage until ten o'clock this morning, when he had ridden away from it at Barnet, having duly pumped the servants as opportunity offered. “Who is she?” cried Sir Charles. “Wife of a Cheshire squire, Sir Charles,” was the reply. “His name? Whither goes she in town?” “Her name is Mrs. Vane, Sir Charles. She is going to her husband.” “Curious!” cried Sir Charles. “I wish she had no husband. No! I wish she came from Shropshire,” and he chuckled at the notion. “If you please, Sir Charles,” said the man, “is not Willoughby in Cheshire?” “No,” cried his master; “it is in Shropshire. What! eh! Five guineas for you if that lady comes from Willoughby in Shropshire. “That is where she comes from then, Sir Charles, and she is going to Bloomsbury Square.” “How long have they been married?” “Not more than twelve months, Sir Charles.” Pomander gave the man ten guineas instead of five on the spot. Reader, it was too true! Mr. Vane--the good, the decent, the churchgoer--Mr. Vane, whom Mrs. Woffington had selected to improve her morals--Mr. Vane was a married man! CHAPTER IX. As soon as Pomander had drawn his breath and realized this discovery, he darted upstairs, and with all the demure calmness he could assume, told Mr. Vane, whom he met descending, that he was happy to find his engagements permitted him to join the party in Bloomsbury Square. He then flung himself upon his servant's horse.