"Oh! I have assumed the name of Greenwood, remember, because a relation of that name has left me a considerable fortune." "Well--that is a very good story to tell the world, but not friends, my dear fellow," said the baronet, coolly. "But we were talking of the Enchantress. I presume she is still under the protection of the Earl of Warrington?" "So I understand," replied Greenwood. "Well--I must say," continued the baronet, "I always liked Diana; and I dare say we should have been together up to the present moment, if it had not been for that infernal affair of Markham's." "Ah! Richard Markham!" ejaculated Mr. Greenwood hastily. "I have heard of him--but never seen him." "I and Chichester were compelled to sacrifice him to save ourselves," observed Harborough. "Yes--yes--it was a pity--a great pity," cried Greenwood, poking the fire violently. "I wonder what has become of that same Markham?" said Chichester. "I understand that he lost the greater portion of his property by some unfortunate speculation or another, but the nature of which I have never learnt," replied Greenwood. "And what about this Steam-Packet Company of which you were speaking this morning?" inquired Sir Rupert Harborough. "The fact is, I have got a certain Italian count in tow, and I intend to make him useful. He is an emigrant from the Grand Duchy of Castelcicala, having been concerned in some treasonable proceedings with Prince Alberto, who is the Grand Duke's nephew, and who has also been compelled to fly to some other country. Be it as it may, this Count Alteroni and I became acquainted; and, in the course of conversation, he observed that a fortune might be made by the establishment of a line of steam-packets between London and Montoni, the capital of Castelcicala. He added that he should be very willing to embark his own capital in such an enterprise. '_How extraordinary!_' I immediately exclaimed: '_I had myself entertained the very same idea!_' The count was enchanted; and he has already advanced a considerable sum." At this moment dinner was announced; and the three gentlemen proceeded to the apartment in which it was served up. The repast consisted of all the luxuries in season, and many _out_ of season: the choicest wines were produced; and justice was done to each and all, while wit and humour flowed as freely, and sparkled as brightly as the juice of the grape itself. The baronet was more affable than ever;--Mr. Chichester related several amusing anecdotes of midnight sprees, policemen, knockers, station-houses, and magistrates;--and Mr. Greenwood explained his plans relative to the steam-packets.