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42 distant period, of being able to pay twenty shillings in the pound. The creditors took counsel. It oozed out (through the ex-Guardsman's indirect instrnmentality, no doubt) that there was an heiress in the wind. They agreed to wait a few weeks before taking him into the Bankruptcy Court.

It was still early in June, when Mrs. Shaw announced one morning at breakfast, after opening her letters, that Colonel Wybrowe would arrive that day. It was Whitsuntide, and other guests were also expected; the house, which was not large, would be full. It was the first party they had had since Anthony's death, more than six months ago.

"Well, I'm glad Wybrowe can come," said William Shaw, heartily, in spite of the drawback that his mouth was full of devilled kidney; "for he's such a favourite with the women, that the girls who are coming will be pleased—eh, Molly?"

"Oh! as to that," replied his wife, glancing at Elizabeth with a meaning smile, "he seldom condescends to talk to girls. I don't suppose he'll say six words to Kate Wargrave, or Guendoline Palliser, handsome as she is. He is so very odd!"

"Then what men have you got for 'em—eh?"

"Lord Robert Elton is coming. I don't know him, but the duchess asked us to Colesover, and as neither you nor Elizabeth would go, I had to decline. So I thought the best thing was to ask the son here, and he accepted."

"I'm glad of it. I hear him very well spoken of; and he's the right side of the House, and a first-rate speaker, I'm told. Any one else?"