"Mr. Titmouse begs to present his compliments to the Earl of Dreddlington, and to express the high sense he entertains of the kind consideration evinced by his Lordship in his call and note of to-day. "One of the most gratifying circumstances connected with Mr. Titmouse's recent success, is the distinguished alliance which his Lordship has been so prompt and courteous in recognizing. Mr. Titmouse will feel the greatest pleasure in availing himself of the Earl of Dreddlington's invitation to dinner for Monday next. "Cabbage-Stalk Hotel, Thursday. "The Right Honble. the EARL OF DREDDLINGTON, &c., &c." "Have you a 'Peerage' here, waiter?" inquired Gammon, as the waiter brought him a lighted taper. _Debrett_ was shortly laid before him; and turning to the name of Dreddlington, he read over the paragraph which had been already laid before the reader. "Humph--_'Lady Cecilia'_--here she is--his _daughter_--I thought as much--I see!" This was what passed through his mind, as--having left Titmouse, who set off to deposit a card and the above "Answer" at Lord Dreddlington's--he made his way towards the delectable regions in which their office was situated--Saffron Hill. "'Tis curious--amusing--interesting, to observe the social progress of this charming little fellow"--continued Gammon to himself-- "_Tag-rag_--and his daughter; "_Quirk_--and his daughter; "_The Earl of Dreddlington_--and his daughter. How many more? Happy! happy! happy Titmouse!" * * * * * The sun which was rising upon Titmouse was setting upon the Aubreys. Dear, delightful--now too dear, now too delightful--Yatton! the shades of evening are descending upon thee, and thy virtuous but afflicted occupants, who, early on the morrow, quit thee forever. Approach silently you conservatory. Behold, in the midst of it, the dark slight figure of a lady, solitary, motionless, in melancholy attitude--her hands clasped before her: it is Miss Aubrey. Her face is beautiful, but grief is in her eye; and her bosom heaves with sighs, which, gentle though they be, are yet the only sounds audible. Yes, that is the sweet and once joyous Kate Aubrey!