Some frolic of master Clement Montgomery's, I presume this apparition to be, Walter. Yet, surely she is not idiot enough to tell of herself in such a case!----Ha!--woman! woman still! whether in solitude or society!--I well remember the fellow I saw tripping near Valmont's moat.--Yes, yes. He--Montgomery contrives to find secret admittance into that well defended place; and she contrives a rare finely imagined tale to turn the people's wits the seamy-side without, and throw a veil impervious as darkness around themselves and their pleasures.----Yet, hang it!--no!--Montgomery, said Mrs. Valmont, was abroad on his travels when this affair happened. Beside, there is a degree of invention in the story which must have been beyond the capacity of so ignorant a girl.--Heyday!--Why I am anticipating eight and forty hours, and already beginning to feel myself accountable for my wife's adventures! Peace be, then, to the apparition's ashes!--After the knot is tied, and I and my bride are travelling homewards to receive forgiveness and _golden_ blessings, I shall probably want something to keep me awake, and the child must tell me the story in her own way. Hark!--the dinner bell.--My part in the plot will soon commence.--Be content, Walter, to trace it in its several progressive steps toward the catastrophe. I have not patience to detail what is to be, and then sit down to relate what is.----Adieu, for a few hours. So far, so good.--Nay, better than good, the very elements have conspired to my success.--Such a storm of hail, rain, and thunder, I never beheld at this season of the year. The darkness was tremendous, and Mrs. Valmont's shattered nerves felt its effects most powerfully, notwithstanding the pompous harangue delivered by her caro sposo against such terrors.--In the midst of this scene entered Mr. Valmont's gentleman; who, bowing reverently, in a low tone of voice begged to know if his lordly master would vouchsafe to be drawn home by one pair of horses, (he came, Walter with six) for that unfortunately the postilion was very drunk. 'Drunk!' exclaimed Mr. Valmont. 'Did you say, drunk?' The man bowed and looked sorry; then ventured slowly to insinuate that he did not deem the coachman perfectly sober, though not absolutely drunk. He might be able to drive a pair of horses perhaps. 'I shall have my neck broken,' cried Mrs. Valmont, 'then all my sorrows will be at an end together; and you, sir, may be for once satisfied.' 'Madam! What mean you?' said the frowning _dignitary_. The remedy was obvious. To remain at Monkton Hall for the night was proposed to Mr. Valmont with great earnestness by Sir Gilbert and my lady; and, at length, acceded to by him with due reluctant solemnity.----Mrs. Valmont smiled through her terrors.