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 the granddaughter of Lady Macbeth. But Miss Footlight of the Frivolity had quite recently received the sum of ten thousand pounds from the people of young Lord Footle, which sum was of course excessive, as dear Justice Brusher had said to Mother at dinner last evening.

"Madam, I hold no opinion of Justice Brusher; Miss Footlight I don't know, and Lord Footle I don't desire to know; but it is impossible for my granddaughter, a member of an old theatrical family, to pocket this insult."

And Grandmamma rang the bell with tremendous dignity.

Jane the parlor-maid it was who appeared this time, looking all the prettier for her afternoon out.

"Jane," said the acknowledged Queen of Tragedy, "pray conduct Lady Shelmerdine to her carriage—and in future I do not receive her."

Poor old Mother! And in her new ermine tippet, too.

"Phil-ipp, accompany me."

Philip accompanied Mother down the stairs, past the bust of Bean in the front hall, down the nine steps of Number Ten Bedford Gardens, and handed her into her carriage.

"We dine at eight this evening, Philip. Your father will expect you."