And when the ladies were retiring at the conclusion of their visit, Miss Crawley hoped "Lady Southdown would be so kind as to send her Lady Jane sometimes, if she could be spared to come down and console a poor sick lonely old woman."

And when the ladies were leaving, Miss Crawley hoped "Lady Southdown would be so kind as to send her Lady Jane sometimes, if she could be spared to come and console a poor sick lonely old woman."


This promise was graciously accorded, and they separated upon great terms of amity.

This promise was granted, and they separated in friendship.


"Don't let Lady Southdown come again, Pitt," said the old lady.


"She is stupid and pompous, like all your mother's family, whom I never could endure.


But bring that nice good-natured little Jane as often as ever you please."

But bring that nice good-natured little Jane as often as you please."


He did not tell the Countess of Southdown what opinion his aunt had formed of her Ladyship, who, on the contrary, thought that she had made a most delightful and majestic impression on Miss Crawley.

He did not tell the Countess of Southdown of his aunt's opinion; her Ladyship thought that she had made a most delightful and majestic impression on Miss Crawley.


And so, nothing loth to comfort a sick lady, and perhaps not sorry in her heart to be freed now and again from the dreary spouting of the Reverend Bartholomew Irons, and the serious toadies who gathered round the footstool of the pompous Countess, her mamma, Lady Jane became a pretty constant visitor to Miss Crawley, accompanied her in her drives, and solaced many of her evenings.

And so Lady Jane became a pretty constant visitor to Miss Crawley, accompanied her in her drives, and solaced many of her evenings.


She was so naturally good and soft, that even Firkin was not jealous of her; and the gentle Briggs thought her friend was less cruel to her when kind Lady Jane was by.

She was so naturally good and soft that even Firkin was not jealous of her; and the gentle Briggs thought Miss Crawley was less cruel to her when kind Lady Jane was by.


Towards her Ladyship Miss Crawley's manners were charming.


The old spinster told her a thousand anecdotes about her youth, talking to her in a very different strain from that in which she had been accustomed to converse with the godless little Rebecca; for there was that in Lady Jane's innocence which rendered light talking impertinence before her, and Miss Crawley was too much of a gentlewoman to offend such purity.

Miss Crawley was charming to Lady Jane, telling her a thousand anecdotes about her youth, and talking to her in a very different way to that in which she had talked to Rebecca.


The young lady herself had never received kindness except from this old spinster, and her brother and father: and she repaid Miss Crawley's engoument by artless sweetness and friendship.

Lady Jane repaid Miss Crawley with artless sweetness and friendship.


In the autumn evenings (when Rebecca was flaunting at Paris, the gayest among the gay conquerors there, and our Amelia, our dear wounded Amelia, ah!


Lady Jane would be sitting in Miss Crawley's drawing-room singing sweetly to her, in the twilight, her little simple songs and hymns, while the sun was setting and the sea was roaring on the beach.

Lady Jane would sit in Miss Crawley's drawing-room singing little songs and hymns, while the sun was setting and the sea was roaring on the beach.


The old spinster used to wake up when these ditties ceased, and ask for more.


As for Briggs, and the quantity of tears of happiness which she now shed as she pretended to knit, and looked out at the splendid ocean darkling before the windows, and the lamps of heaven beginning more brightly to shine--who, I say can measure the happiness and sensibility of Briggs?

As for Briggs, she shed tears of happiness as she pretended to knit.


Pitt meanwhile in the dining-room, with a pamphlet on the Corn Laws or a Missionary Register by his side, took that kind of recreation which suits romantic and unromantic men after dinner.

Pitt, meanwhile, in the dining-room with a pamphlet on the Corn Laws


He sipped Madeira: built castles in the air: thought himself a fine fellow: felt himself much more in love with Jane than he had been any time these seven years, during which their liaison had lasted without the slightest impatience on Pitt's part--and slept a good deal.

, sipped Madeira: built castles in the air: thought himself a fine fellow: and felt himself more in love with Jane than he had been any time these seven years.


When the time for coffee came, Mr. Bowls used to enter in a noisy manner, and summon Squire Pitt, who would be found in the dark very busy with his pamphlet.


"I wish, my love, I could get somebody to play piquet with me," Miss Crawley said one night when this functionary made his appearance with the candles and the coffee.

"I wish, my love, I could get somebody to play piquet with me," Miss Crawley said one night.


"Poor Briggs can no more play than an owl, she is so stupid" (the spinster always took an opportunity of abusing Briggs before the servants); "and I think I should sleep better if I had my game."

"Poor Briggs can no more play than an owl, she is so stupid; and I think I should sleep better if I had my game."


At this Lady Jane blushed to the tips of her little ears, and down to the ends of her pretty fingers; and when Mr. Bowls had quitted the room, and the door was quite shut, she said:

At this Lady Jane blushed to the tips of her ears, and said:


I used to--to play a little with poor dear papa."


Come and kiss me this instant, you dear good little soul," cried Miss Crawley in an ecstasy: and in this picturesque and friendly occupation Mr. Pitt found the old lady and the young one, when he came upstairs with him pamphlet in his hand.

"Come and kiss me, you dear good little soul," cried Miss Crawley in an ecstasy: and in this occupation Mr. Pitt found them when he came upstairs with his pamphlet.


How she did blush all the evening, that poor Lady Jane!


It must not be imagined that Mr. Pitt Crawley's artifices escaped the attention of his dear relations at the Rectory at Queen's Crawley.

This did not escape the attention of the Crawleys at the Rectory.


Hampshire and Sussex lie very close together, and Mrs. Bute had friends in the latter county who took care to inform her of all, and a great deal more than all, that passed at Miss Crawley's house at Brighton.

Mrs. Bute had friends in Brighton who informed her of all that passed at Miss Crawley's house.


He did not come for months together to the Hall, where his abominable old father abandoned himself completely to rum-and-water, and the odious society of the Horrocks family.

He did not come to the Hall for months, while his abominable old father abandoned himself to rum-and-water, and the odious society of the Horrocks family.


Pitt's success rendered the Rector's family furious, and Mrs. Bute regretted more (though she confessed less) than ever her monstrous fault in so insulting Miss Briggs, and in being so haughty and parsimonious to Bowls and Firkin, that she had not a single person left in Miss Crawley's household to give her information of what took place there.

Pitt's success made the Rector's family furious, and Mrs. Bute regretted so insulting Miss Briggs and Firkin that she had not a single informant in Miss Crawley's household.


"It was all Bute's collar-bone," she persisted in saying; "if that had not broke, I never would have left her.

"It was all Bute's collar-bone," she said; "if that had not broke, I never would have left her."


I am a martyr to duty and to your odious unclerical habit of hunting, Bute."


It was you that frightened her, Barbara," the divine interposed.

"It was you that frightened her," Bute interposed.


"You're a clever woman, but you've got a devil of a temper; and you're a screw with your money, Barbara."


"You'd have been screwed in gaol, Bute, if I had not kept your money."

"You'd have been in gaol, Bute, if I had not kept your money."


"I know I would, my dear," said the Rector, good-naturedly.

"I know, my dear," said the Rector, good-naturedly.


"You ARE a clever woman, but you manage too well, you know": and the pious man consoled himself with a big glass of port.

"You ARE a clever woman, but you manage too well, you know.


"What the deuce can she find in that spooney of a Pitt Crawley?"

What the deuce can she find in Pitt Crawley?


"The fellow has not pluck enough to say Bo to a goose.

He has not pluck enough to say Boo to a goose.


I remember when Rawdon, who is a man, and be hanged to him, used to flog him round the stables as if he was a whipping-top: and Pitt would go howling home to his ma--ha, ha!

I remember when Rawdon used to flog him round the stables, and Pitt would go howling home to his ma - ha, ha!


Why, either of my boys would whop him with one hand.


Jim says he's remembered at Oxford as Miss Crawley still--the spooney.


"I say, Barbara," his reverence continued, after a pause.


said Barbara, who was biting her nails, and drumming the table.


"I say, why not send Jim over to Brighton to see if he can do anything with the old lady.

"I say, why not send Jim over to Brighton to see if he can do anything with the old lady?


He's very near getting his degree, you know.


He's only been plucked twice--so was I--but he's had the advantages of Oxford and a university education.

He's been failed twice - so was I - but he's had an Oxford education.


D---- it, ma'am, let's put him on the old woman, hey, and tell him to thrash Pitt if he says anything.


"Jim might go down and see her, certainly," the housewife said; adding with a sigh, "If we could but get one of the girls into the house; but she could never endure them, because they are not pretty!"

"Jim might go down and see her, certainly," his wife said; adding with a sigh, "If we could only get one of the girls into the house; but she could never endure them, because they are not pretty!"


Those unfortunate and well-educated women made themselves heard from the neighbouring drawing-room, where they were thrumming away, with hard fingers, an elaborate music-piece on the piano-forte, as their mother spoke; and indeed, they were at music, or at backboard, or at geography, or at history, the whole day long.

Those unfortunate and well-educated women were in the drawing-room, where they were thrumming away, with hard fingers, an elaborate piece on the piano; indeed, they were at music, or the back-board, or geography, or history, all day long.


But what avail all these accomplishments, in Vanity Fair, to girls who are short, poor, plain, and have a bad complexion?

But what use are all these accomplishments, in Vanity Fair, to girls who are short, poor, plain, and have a bad complexion?


Mrs. Bute could think of nobody but the Curate to take one of them off her hands; and Jim coming in from the stable at this minute, through the parlour window, with a short pipe stuck in his oilskin cap, he and his father fell to talking about odds on the St. Leger, and the colloquy between the Rector and his wife ended.

Mrs. Bute could think of nobody but the Curate to take one of them off her hands.


Mrs. Bute did not augur much good to the cause from the sending of her son James as an ambassador, and saw him depart in rather a despairing mood.

Mrs. Bute did not predict much good from the sending of her son James as an ambassador.


Nor did the young fellow himself, when told what his mission was to be, expect much pleasure or benefit from it; but he was consoled by the thought that possibly the old lady would give him some handsome remembrance of her, which would pay a few of his most pressing bills at the commencement of the ensuing Oxford term, and so took his place by the coach from Southampton, and was safely landed at Brighton on the same evening with his portmanteau, his favourite bull-dog Towzer, and an immense basket of farm and garden produce, from the dear Rectory folks to the dear Miss Crawley.

Nor did the young fellow himself expect much pleasure from his mission; but he was consoled by the thought that possibly the old lady would give him some handsome sum on leaving, which would pay a few bills at the start of the next Oxford term.
So he travelled by the coach from Southampton to Brighton with his portmanteau, his favourite bull-dog Towzer, and an immense basket of garden produce from the dear Rectory folks to dear Miss Crawley.


Considering it was too late to disturb the invalid lady on the first night of his arrival, he put up at an inn, and did not wait upon Miss Crawley until a late hour in the noon of next day.

Thinking it was too late to disturb the invalid lady on the first night of his arrival, he put up at an inn, and did not visit Miss Crawley until late afternoon next day.


James Crawley, when his aunt had last beheld him, was a gawky lad, at that uncomfortable age when the voice varies between an unearthly treble and a preternatural bass; when the face not uncommonly blooms out with appearances for which Rowland's Kalydor is said to act as a cure; when boys are seen to shave furtively with their sister's scissors, and the sight of other young women produces intolerable sensations of terror in them; when the great hands and ankles protrude a long way from garments which have grown too tight for them; when their presence after dinner is at once frightful to the ladies, who are whispering in the twilight in the drawing-room, and inexpressibly odious to the gentlemen over the mahogany, who are restrained from freedom of intercourse and delightful interchange of wit by the presence of that gawky innocence; when, at the conclusion of the second glass, papa says, "Jack, my boy, go out and see if the evening holds up," and the youth, willing to be free, yet hurt at not being yet a man, quits the incomplete banquet.

James Crawley, when his aunt had last seen him, was a gawky lad, at that uncomfortable age when the voice varies between an unearthly treble and a bass; when boys are seen to shave furtively with their sister's scissors, and the sight of other young women produces terror in them; when the great hands and ankles protrude a long way from garments which have grown too tight.


James, then a hobbadehoy, was now become a young man, having had the benefits of a university education, and acquired the inestimable polish which is gained by living in a fast set at a small college, and contracting debts, and being rusticated, and being plucked.

James, then a hobbadehoy, was now become a young man, and had acquired the polish which is gained by living in a fast set at a small college, and contracting debts, and being failed and rusticated.


He was a handsome lad, however, when he came to present himself to his aunt at Brighton, and good looks were always a title to the fickle old lady's favour.

He was a handsome lad, however, when he presented himself to his aunt, and good looks always earned the fickle old lady's favour.


Nor did his blushes and awkwardness take away from it: she was pleased with these healthy tokens of the young gentleman's ingenuousness.

Nor did his awkwardness take away from it: she was pleased with these healthy tokens of the young gentleman's ingenuousness.


He said "he had come down for a couple of days to see a man of his college, and--and to pay my respects to you, Ma'am, and my father's and mother's, who hope you are well."

He said "he had come down for a couple of days to see a man from his college, and - and to pay my respects to you, Ma'am, and my father and mother hope you are well."


Pitt was in the room with Miss Crawley when the lad was announced, and looked very blank when his name was mentioned.

Pitt was in the room with Miss Crawley when the lad was announced, and looked very blank.


The old lady had plenty of humour, and enjoyed her correct nephew's perplexity.


She asked after all the people at the Rectory with great interest; and said she was thinking of paying them a visit.

She asked after all the people at the Rectory with interest; and said she was thinking of paying them a visit.


She praised the lad to his face, and said he was well-grown and very much improved, and that it was a pity his sisters had not some of his good looks; and finding, on inquiry, that he had taken up his quarters at an hotel, would not hear of his stopping there, but bade Mr. Bowls send for Mr. James Crawley's things instantly; "and hark ye, Bowls," she added, with great graciousness, "you will have the goodness to pay Mr. James's bill."

She told the lad he was very much improved, and that it was a pity his sisters had not some of his good looks; and finding that he had taken a room at an hotel, would not hear of his staying there, but bade Mr. Bowls send for Mr. James Crawley's things instantly; "and Bowls," she added, with great graciousness, "you will have the goodness to pay Mr. James's bill."


She flung Pitt a look of arch triumph, which caused that diplomatist almost to choke with envy.

She flung Pitt a look of arch triumph, which made him almost choke with envy.


Much as he had ingratiated himself with his aunt, she had never yet invited him to stay under her roof, and here was a young whipper-snapper, who at first sight was made welcome there.

She had never yet invited him to stay under her roof, and here was a young whipper-snapper who at first sight was made welcome.


"I beg your pardon, sir," says Bowls, advancing with a profound bow; "what 'otel, sir, shall Thomas fetch the luggage from?"

"I beg your pardon, sir," says Bowls with a bow; "what 'otel is it, sir?"


"O, dam," said young James, starting up, as if in some alarm, "I'll go."

"O, dam," said young James, in some alarm, "I'll go."


"The Tom Cribb's Arms," said James, blushing deeply.


Miss Crawley burst out laughing at this title.


Mr. Bowls gave one abrupt guffaw, as a confidential servant of the family, but choked the rest of the volley; the diplomatist only smiled.

Mr. Bowls gave one abrupt guffaw; Pitt only smiled.


"I--I didn't know any better," said James, looking down.

"I didn't know any better," said James, looking down.


"I've never been here before; it was the coachman told me."


The fact is, that on the Southampton coach, the day previous, James Crawley had met the Tutbury Pet, who was coming to Brighton to make a match with the Rottingdean Fibber; and enchanted by the Pet's conversation, had passed the evening in company with that scientific man and his friends, at the inn in question.

The fact is, that on the Southampton coach, James Crawley had met a boxer, the Tutbury Pet, who was coming to Brighton to make a match with the Rottingdean Fibber; and enchanted by the Pet's conversation, he had passed the evening with him and his friends at the inn in question.


"I--I'd best go and settle the score," James continued.


"Couldn't think of asking you, Ma'am," he added, generously.


This delicacy made his aunt laugh the more.


"Go and settle the bill, Bowls," she said, with a wave of her hand, "and bring it to me."

"Go and settle the bill, Bowls," said Miss Crawley, with a wave of her hand, "and bring it to me."


Poor lady, she did not know what she had done!


"There--there's a little dawg," said James, looking frightfully guilty.

"There - there's a little dawg," said James, looking frightfully guilty.


All the party cried out with laughing at this description; even Briggs and Lady Jane, who was sitting mute during the interview between Miss Crawley and her nephew: and Bowls, without a word, quitted the room.

All the party laughed; even Briggs and Lady Jane, who was sitting mute.


Still, by way of punishing her elder nephew, Miss Crawley persisted in being gracious to the young Oxonian.

To punish her elder nephew, Miss Crawley persisted in being gracious to the young student.


There were no limits to her kindness or her compliments when they once began.


She told Pitt he might come to dinner, and insisted that James should accompany her in her drive, and paraded him solemnly up and down the cliff, on the back seat of the barouche.

She insisted that James should accompany her in her drive, and paraded him solemnly up and down the cliff in her barouche.


During all this excursion, she condescended to say civil things to him: she quoted Italian and French poetry to the poor bewildered lad, and persisted that he was a fine scholar, and was perfectly sure he would gain a gold medal, and be a Senior Wrangler.

During the drive she quoted Italian and French poetry to the poor bewildered lad, and said she was sure he would gain a gold medal, and be a Senior Wrangler.


"Haw, haw," laughed James, encouraged by these compliments; "Senior Wrangler, indeed; that's at the other shop."


"What is the other shop, my dear child?"


"Senior Wranglers at Cambridge, not Oxford," said the scholar, with a knowing air; and would probably have been more confidential, but that suddenly there appeared on the cliff in a tax-cart, drawn by a bang-up pony, dressed in white flannel coats, with mother-of-pearl buttons, his friends the Tutbury Pet and the Rottingdean Fibber, with three other gentlemen of their acquaintance, who all saluted poor James there in the carriage as he sate.

"Cambridge, not Oxford," said the scholar, with a knowing air. Just then there appeared on the cliff, in a tax-cart drawn by a bang-up pony, his friends the Tutbury Pet and the Rottingdean Fibber, with three other gentlemen, who saluted poor James as he sat in the carriage.


This incident damped the ingenuous youth's spirits, and no word of yea or nay could he be induced to utter during the rest of the drive.

This incident damped his spirits, and he did not utter another word during the journey.


On his return he found his room prepared, and his portmanteau ready, and might have remarked that Mr. Bowls's countenance, when the latter conducted him to his apartments, wore a look of gravity, wonder, and compassion.

On his return he found his room prepared, and his bag there, and might have noticed that Mr. Bowls looked grave.


But the thought of Mr. Bowls did not enter his head.


He was deploring the dreadful predicament in which he found himself, in a house full of old women, jabbering French and Italian, and talking poetry to him.

He was deploring his dreadful predicament, staying in a house full of old women jabbering French and Italian, and talking poetry to him.


exclaimed the modest boy, who could not face the gentlest of her sex--not even Briggs--when she began to talk to him; whereas, put him at Iffley Lock, and he could out-slang the boldest bargeman.


At dinner, James appeared choking in a white neckcloth, and had the honour of handing my Lady Jane downstairs, while Briggs and Mr. Crawley followed afterwards, conducting the old lady, with her apparatus of bundles, and shawls, and cushions.

At dinner, James appeared choking in a white neckcloth, and had the honour of handing my Lady Jane downstairs.


Half of Briggs's time at dinner was spent in superintending the invalid's comfort, and in cutting up chicken for her fat spaniel.


James did not talk much, but he made a point of asking all the ladies to drink wine, and accepted Mr. Crawley's challenge, and consumed the greater part of a bottle of champagne which Mr. Bowls was ordered to produce in his honour.

He did not talk much over dinner, but he made a point of asking all the ladies to drink wine, and accepted Mr. Crawley's offer of champagne, consuming most of the bottle which Mr. Bowls was ordered to produce in his honour.


The ladies having withdrawn, and the two cousins being left together, Pitt, the ex-diplomatist, he came very communicative and friendly.

After the ladies had withdrawn, and the two cousins were left together, Pitt became very friendly.


He asked after James's career at college--what his prospects in life were--hoped heartily he would get on; and, in a word, was frank and amiable.

He asked after James's career and prospects - hoped heartily he would get on; and was frank and amiable.


James's tongue unloosed with the port, and he told his cousin his life, his prospects, his debts, his troubles at the little-go, and his rows with the proctors, filling rapidly from the bottles before him, and flying from Port to Madeira with joyous activity.

James's tongue unloosed with the port, and he told his cousin about his life, his debts, his troubles and his rows with the proctors, filling his glass from the bottles before him, and flying from Port to Madeira with joyous activity.


"The chief pleasure which my aunt has," said Mr. Crawley, filling his glass, "is that people should do as they like in her house.

"My aunt is pleased when people do as they like in her house," said Mr. Crawley.


"This is Liberty Hall, James, and you can't do Miss Crawley a greater kindness than to do as you please, and ask for what you will.


I know you have all sneered at me in the country for being a Tory.


Miss Crawley is liberal enough to suit any fancy.


She is a Republican in principle, and despises everything like rank or title."

She is a Republican in principle, and despises rank or title."


"Why are you going to marry an Earl's daughter?"


"My dear friend, remember it is not poor Lady Jane's fault that she is well born," Pitt replied, with a courtly air.

"My dear friend, it is not poor Lady Jane's fault that she is well born," Pitt replied, with a courtly air.


"Oh, as for that," said Jim, "there's nothing like old blood; no, dammy, nothing like it.

"Oh, as for that," said Jim, "there's nothing like old blood, dammy.


I know what it is to be a gentleman, dammy.


See the chaps in a boat-race; look at the fellers in a fight; aye, look at a dawg killing rats--which is it wins?

See the chaps in a boat-race; look at the fellers in a fight; aye, look at a dawg killing rats - which is it wins?


Get some more port, Bowls, old boy, whilst I buzz this bottle here.


"I think you were speaking of dogs killing rats," Pitt remarked mildly, handing his cousin the decanter to "buzz."

"I think you were speaking of dogs killing rats," Pitt remarked mildly, handing his cousin the decanter.


Do you want to see a dawg as CAN kill a rat?

Do you want to see a dawg as can kill a rat?


If you do, come down with me to Tom Corduroy's, in Castle Street Mews, and I'll show you such a bull-terrier as--Pooh!

Then come down with me to Castle Street Mews, and I'll show you such a bull-terrier - Pooh!"


gammon," cried James, bursting out laughing at his own absurdity--"YOU don't care about a dawg or rat; it's all nonsense.

cried James, laughing at his own absurdity. "You don't care.


I'm blest if I think you know the difference between a dog and a duck."

I'm blest if you know the difference between a dawg and a duck."


"No; by the way," Pitt continued with increased blandness, "it was about blood you were talking, and the personal advantages which people derive from patrician birth.

"No. You were talking about blood," Pitt continued with increased blandness.


"Blood's the word," said James, gulping the ruby fluid down.

"Blood's the word," said James, gulping the port down.


"Nothing like blood, sir, in hosses, dawgs, AND men.

"Nothing like blood, sir, in hosses, dawgs, and men.


Why, only last term, just before I was rusticated, that is, I mean just before I had the measles, ha, ha--there was me and Ringwood of Christchurch, Bob Ringwood, Lord Cinqbars' son, having our beer at the Bell at Blenheim, when the Banbury bargeman offered to fight either of us for a bowl of punch.

Why, only last term, just before I was rusticated, I mean just before I had the measles, ha, ha - there was me and Bob Ringwood, Lord Cinqbars' son, having a beer at the Bell at Blenheim, when the Banbury bargeman offered to fight either of us for a bowl of punch.


My arm was in a sling; couldn't even take the drag down--a brute of a mare of mine had fell with me only two days before, out with the Abingdon, and I thought my arm was broke.

My arm was in a sling; a brute of a mare had fell with me at the Abingdon hunt.


Well, sir, I couldn't finish him, but Bob had his coat off at once--he stood up to the Banbury man for three minutes, and polished him off in four rounds easy.

But Bob had his coat off at once - he stood up to the Banbury man for three minutes, and polished him off in four rounds easy.


Gad, how he did drop, sir, and what was it?


"You don't drink, James," the ex-attache continued.

"You're not drinking, James," Pitt said.


"In my time at Oxford, the men passed round the bottle a little quicker than you young fellows seem to do."


"Come, come," said James, putting his hand to his nose and winking at his cousin with a pair of vinous eyes, "no jokes, old boy; no trying it on on me.

"Come, come," said James, winking at his cousin, "no jokes, old boy; no trying it on with me.


You want to trot me out, but it's no go.


I wish my aunt would send down some of this to the governor; it's a precious good tap."


"You had better ask her," Machiavel continued, "or make the best of your time now.

"You had better ask her," Machiavel continued, "or make the best of it now


'Nunc vino pellite curas, Cras ingens iterabimus aequor,'" and the Bacchanalian, quoting the above with a House of Commons air, tossed off nearly a thimbleful of wine with an immense flourish of his glass.

," and he tossed back nearly a thimbleful of wine with an immense flourish of his glass.


At the Rectory, when the bottle of port wine was opened after dinner, the young ladies had each a glass from a bottle of currant wine.

At the Rectory, when the bottle of port was opened after dinner,


Mrs. Bute took one glass of port, honest James had a couple commonly, but as his father grew very sulky if he made further inroads on the bottle, the good lad generally refrained from trying for more, and subsided either into the currant wine, or to some private gin-and-water in the stables, which he enjoyed in the company of the coachman and his pipe.

honest James commonly had a couple of glasses, but as his father grew very sulky if he had more, the good lad generally refrained, and subsided either into the ladies' currant wine, or to some private gin-and-water in the stables with the coachman.


At Oxford, the quantity of wine was unlimited, but the quality was inferior: but when quantity and quality united as at his aunt's house, James showed that he could appreciate them indeed; and hardly needed any of his cousin's encouragement in draining off the second bottle supplied by Mr. Bowls.

At Oxford, the quantity of wine was unlimited, but the quality was inferior: but when quantity and quality united as at his aunt's house, James showed that he could appreciate them indeed. He hardly needed his cousin's encouragement to drain the second bottle.


When the time for coffee came, however, and for a return to the ladies, of whom he stood in awe, the young gentleman's agreeable frankness left him, and he relapsed into his usual surly timidity; contenting himself by saying yes and no, by scowling at Lady Jane, and by upsetting one cup of coffee during the evening.

When the time came for coffee, however, and for a return to the ladies, the young gentleman relapsed into surly timidity; saying no more than yes and no, scowling at Lady Jane, and upsetting his cup.


If he did not speak he yawned in a pitiable manner, and his presence threw a damp upon the modest proceedings of the evening, for Miss Crawley and Lady Jane at their piquet, and Miss Briggs at her work, felt that his eyes were wildly fixed on them, and were uneasy under that maudlin look.

He yawned in a pitiable manner, and his presence threw a damper upon the modest proceedings; for Miss Crawley and Lady Jane at their piquet, and Miss Briggs at her work, felt that his eyes were wildly fixed on them, and were uneasy under that maudlin look.


"He seems a very silent, awkward, bashful lad," said Miss Crawley to Mr. Pitt.

"He seems a very silent, awkward, bashful lad," said Miss Crawley to Mr. Pitt later.


"He is more communicative in men's society than with ladies," Machiavel dryly replied: perhaps rather disappointed that the port wine had not made Jim speak more.

"He is more communicative in men's society than with ladies," he dryly replied: perhaps rather disappointed that the wine had not made Jim talk more.


He had spent the early part of the next morning in writing home to his mother a most flourishing account of his reception by Miss Crawley.

James spent part of the next morning in writing home to his mother a most flourishing account of his reception by Miss Crawley.


he little knew what evils the day was bringing for him, and how short his reign of favour was destined to be.

he little knew what evils the day would bring, and how short his reign of favour was to be.


A circumstance which Jim had forgotten--a trivial but fatal circumstance--had taken place at the Cribb's Arms on the night before he had come to his aunt's house.

Jim had forgotten about something that had taken place at the Cribb's Arms, the night before he had come to his aunt's house.


It was no other than this--Jim, who was always of a generous disposition, and when in his cups especially hospitable, had in the course of the night treated the Tutbury champion and the Rottingdean man, and their friends, twice or thrice to the refreshment of gin-and-water--so that no less than eighteen glasses of that fluid at eightpence per glass were charged in Mr. James Crawley's bill.

He had treated the Tutbury champion and the Rottingdean man, and their friends, to the refreshment of gin-and-water - so that no less than eighteen glasses at eightpence per glass were charged in Mr. James Crawley's bill.


It was not the amount of eightpences, but the quantity of gin which told fatally against poor James's character, when his aunt's butler, Mr. Bowls, went down at his mistress's request to pay the young gentleman's bill.

It was not the money, but the quantity of gin which told fatally against poor James's character, when the butler, Mr. Bowls, went down to pay his bill.


The landlord, fearing lest the account should be refused altogether, swore solemnly that the young gent had consumed personally every farthing's worth of the liquor: and Bowls paid the bill finally, and showed it on his return home to Mrs. Firkin, who was shocked at the frightful prodigality of gin; and took the bill to Miss Briggs as accountant-general; who thought it her duty to mention the circumstance to her principal, Miss Crawley.

The landlord, fearing lest the account should be refused, swore solemnly that the young gent had consumed personally every drop of the liquor. Bowls paid the bill, and showed it on his return to Firkin, who was shocked at the frightful amount of gin. She took the bill to Miss Briggs, who thought it her duty to mention it to Miss Crawley.


Had he drunk a dozen bottles of claret, the old spinster could have pardoned him.


But eighteen glasses of gin consumed among boxers in an ignoble pot-house--it was an odious crime and not to be pardoned readily.

But eighteen glasses of gin consumed among boxers in a pot-house - it was an odious crime.


Everything went against the lad: he came home perfumed from the stables, whither he had been to pay his dog Towzer a visit--and whence he was going to take his friend out for an airing, when he met Miss Crawley and her wheezy Blenheim spaniel, which Towzer would have eaten up had not the Blenheim fled squealing to the protection of Miss Briggs, while the atrocious master of the bull-dog stood laughing at the horrible persecution.

Everything went against the lad: he came home perfumed from the stables, where he had been to pay his dog Towzer a visit - and when he took Towzer out for an airing, he met Miss Crawley and her wheezy Blenheim spaniel, which Towzer would have eaten up had not the Blenheim fled squealing to the protection of Miss Briggs, while James stood laughing.


This day too the unlucky boy's modesty had likewise forsaken him.

This day too the unlucky boy's modesty had forsaken him.


During the repast he levelled one or two jokes against Pitt Crawley: he drank as much wine as upon the previous day; and going quite unsuspiciously to the drawing-room, began to entertain the ladies there with some choice Oxford stories.

He levelled one or two jokes against Pitt Crawley: he drank as much wine as upon the previous day; and in the drawing-room, began to entertain the ladies with some choice Oxford stories.


He described the different pugilistic qualities of Molyneux and Dutch Sam, offered playfully to give Lady Jane the odds upon the Tutbury Pet against the Rottingdean man, or take them, as her Ladyship chose: and crowned the pleasantry by proposing to back himself against his cousin Pitt Crawley, either with or without the gloves.

He described the different pugilistic qualities of the boxers Molyneux and Dutch Sam, offered playfully to give Lady Jane odds upon the Tutbury Pet against the Rottingdean man: and then proposed to back himself against his cousin Pitt Crawley, either with or without boxing gloves.


"And that's a fair offer, my buck," he said, with a loud laugh, slapping Pitt on the shoulder, "and my father told me to make it too, and he'll go halves in the bet, ha, ha!"

"And that's a fair offer, my buck," he said, with a loud laugh, slapping Pitt on the shoulder, "and my father will go halves in the bet, ha, ha!"


So saying, the engaging youth nodded knowingly at poor Miss Briggs, and pointed his thumb over his shoulder at Pitt Crawley in a jocular and exulting manner.

The engaging youth nodded knowingly, and pointed his thumb at Pitt Crawley in a jocular and exulting manner.


Pitt was not pleased altogether perhaps, but still not unhappy in the main.

Pitt was not altogether pleased, perhaps, but not unhappy.


Poor Jim had his laugh out: and staggered across the room with his aunt's candle, when the old lady moved to retire, and offered to salute her with the blandest tipsy smile: and he took his own leave and went upstairs to his bedroom perfectly satisfied with himself, and with a pleased notion that his aunt's money would be left to him in preference to his father and all the rest of the family.

Poor Jim had his laugh: and staggered across the room with his aunt's candle, when the old lady moved to retire, and offered to kiss her with the blandest tipsy smile. Then he went upstairs to his own bedroom perfectly satisfied with himself, and with a pleased notion that his aunt's money would be left to him in preference to all the rest of the family.


Once up in the bedroom, one would have thought he could not make matters worse; and yet this unlucky boy did.


The moon was shining very pleasantly out on the sea, and Jim, attracted to the window by the romantic appearance of the ocean and the heavens, thought he would further enjoy them while smoking.

was attracted to the window by the romantic scene of the moonlight on the sea, and thought he would enjoy it while smoking.


Nobody would smell the tobacco, he thought, if he cunningly opened the window and kept his head and pipe in the fresh air.

Nobody would smell the tobacco if he opened the window and kept his head and pipe in the fresh air.


This he did: but being in an excited state, poor Jim had forgotten that his door was open all this time, so that the breeze blowing inwards and a fine thorough draught being established, the clouds of tobacco were carried downstairs, and arrived with quite undiminished fragrance to Miss Crawley and Miss Briggs.

This he did: but poor Jim had forgotten that his door was open, so that the breeze blowing in made a fine draught. The clouds of tobacco were carried downstairs, and arrived with undiminished fragrance to Miss Crawley and Miss Briggs.


The pipe of tobacco finished the business: and the Bute-Crawleys never knew how many thousand pounds it cost them.

The pipe of tobacco finished the business: and the Bute Crawleys never knew how many thousand pounds it cost them.


Firkin rushed downstairs to Bowls who was reading out the "Fire and the Frying Pan" to his aide-de-camp in a loud and ghostly voice.

Firkin rushed downstairs to Bowls who was reading out the "Fire and the Frying Pan" to his assistant in a loud and ghostly voice.


The dreadful secret was told to him by Firkin with so frightened a look, that for the first moment Mr. Bowls and his young man thought that robbers were in the house, the legs of whom had probably been discovered by the woman under Miss Crawley's bed.

The dreadful secret was told by Firkin with so frightened a look, that for the first moment Mr. Bowls thought that robbers were in the house.


When made aware of the fact, however--to rush upstairs at three steps at a time to enter the unconscious James's apartment, calling out, "Mr. James," in a voice stifled with alarm, and to cry, "For Gawd's sake, sir, stop that 'ere pipe," was the work of a minute with Mr. Bowls.

When made aware of the facts, however, Mr. Bowls rushed upstairs three steps at a time to enter James's apartment, calling in a voice stifled with alarm, "Mr. James! For Gawd's sake, sir, stop that pipe.


he said in a voice of the deepest pathos, as he threw the implement out of the window.

Missis can't abide 'em." With that, Bowls threw the pipe out of the window.


"Missis needn't smoke," said James with a frantic misplaced laugh, and thought the whole matter an excellent joke.

"Missis needn't smoke," said James with a laugh, and thought the whole matter an excellent joke.


But his feelings were very different in the morning, when Mr. Bowls's young man, who operated upon Mr. James's boots, and brought him his hot water to shave that beard which he was so anxiously expecting, handed a note in to Mr. James in bed, in the handwriting of Miss Briggs.

But his feelings were very different in the morning, when Mr. Bowls's young man, who brought him his hot water to shave that beard which he was so anxiously expecting, handed over a note in the handwriting of Miss Briggs.


"Dear sir," it said, "Miss Crawley has passed an exceedingly disturbed night, owing to the shocking manner in which the house has been polluted by tobacco; Miss Crawley bids me say she regrets that she is too unwell to see you before you go--and above all that she ever induced you to remove from the ale-house, where she is sure you will be much more comfortable during the rest of your stay at Brighton."

"Dear sir," it said, "Miss Crawley has passed an exceedingly disturbed night, owing to the shocking manner in which the house has been polluted by tobacco. Miss Crawley regrets that she is too unwell to see you before you go - and above all that she ever induced you to remove from the ale-house, where she is sure you will be much more comfortable during the rest of your stay at Brighton."


And herewith honest James's career as a candidate for his aunt's favour ended.

And here honest James's career as a candidate for his aunt's favour ended.


He had in fact, and without knowing it, done what he menaced to do.

He had in fact, and without knowing it, done what he threatened to do.


He had fought his cousin Pitt with the gloves.


Where meanwhile was he who had been once first favourite for this race for money?

Where meanwhile was he who had once been first favourite for this race?


Becky and Rawdon, as we have seen, were come together after Waterloo, and were passing the winter of 1815 at Paris in great splendour and gaiety.

Rawdon and Becky were reunited after Waterloo, and were passing the winter of 1815 at Paris in great splendour and gaiety.


Rebecca was a good economist, and the price poor Jos Sedley had paid for her two horses was in itself sufficient to keep their little establishment afloat for a year, at the least; there was no occasion to turn into money "my pistols, the same which I shot Captain Marker," or the gold dressing-case, or the cloak lined with sable.

Rebecca was a good economist, and the price poor Jos Sedley had paid for her two horses was enough to keep their little establishment afloat for a year; there was no need to sell the pistols, or the gold dressing-case, or the cloak lined with sable.


Becky had it made into a pelisse for herself, in which she rode in the Bois de Boulogne to the admiration of all: and you should have seen the scene between her and her delighted husband, whom she rejoined after the army had entered Cambray, and when she unsewed herself, and let out of her dress all those watches, knick-knacks, bank-notes, cheques, and valuables, which she had secreted in the wadding, previous to her meditated flight from Brussels!

Becky had it made into a pelisse, in which she rode in the Bois de Boulogne to the admiration of all. You should have seen her when she unsewed herself, and let out of her dress all those watches, bank-notes and valuables which she had secreted in the wadding!


Tufto was charmed, and Rawdon roared with delighted laughter, and swore that she was better than any play he ever saw, by Jove.

Tufto was charmed, and Rawdon, delighted, roared with laughter, and swore that she was better than any play.


And the way in which she jockeyed Jos, and which she described with infinite fun, carried up his delight to a pitch of quite insane enthusiasm.

And when she described how she had outwitted Jos, his delight reached a pitch of quite insane enthusiasm.


He believed in his wife as much as the French soldiers in Napoleon.


All the French ladies voted her charming.


She adopted at once their grace, their liveliness, their manner.

She adopted their grace, their liveliness, their manner.


Her husband was stupid certainly--all English are stupid--and, besides, a dull husband at Paris is always a point in a lady's favour.

Her husband was stupid certainly - but all English are stupid, and


He was the heir of the rich and spirituelle Miss Crawley, whose house had been open to so many of the French noblesse during the emigration.

he was the heir of the rich Miss Crawley.


They received the colonel's wife in their own hotels--"Why," wrote a great lady to Miss Crawley, who had bought her lace and trinkets at the Duchess's own price, and given her many a dinner during the pinching times after the Revolution--"Why does not our dear Miss come to her nephew and niece, and her attached friends in Paris?

"Why," wrote a great lady to Miss Crawley, in French, "Why does not our dear Miss come to her nephew and niece in Paris?


All the world raffoles of the charming Mistress and her espiegle beauty.

All the world talks of the charming Mistress and her beauty.


Yes, we see in her the grace, the charm, the wit of our dear friend Miss Crawley!


The King took notice of her yesterday at the Tuileries, and we are all jealous of the attention which Monsieur pays her.

The King took notice of her yesterday at the Tuileries.


If you could have seen the spite of a certain stupid Miladi Bareacres (whose eagle-beak and toque and feathers may be seen peering over the heads of all assemblies) when Madame, the Duchess of Angouleme, the august daughter and companion of kings, desired especially to be presented to Mrs. Crawley, as your dear daughter and protegee, and thanked her in the name of France, for all your benevolence towards our unfortunates during their exile!


She is of all the societies, of all the balls--of the balls--yes--of the dances, no; and yet how interesting and pretty this fair creature looks surrounded by the homage of the men, and so soon to be a mother!

How interesting and pretty this fair creature looks surrounded by the homage of the men, and so soon to be a mother!


To hear her speak of you, her protectress, her mother, would bring tears to the eyes of ogres.

To hear her speak of you would bring tears to the eyes of ogres.


how we all love our admirable, our respectable Miss Crawley!"

how we all love our admirable Miss Crawley!"


It is to be feared that this letter of the Parisian great lady did not by any means advance Mrs. Becky's interest with her admirable, her respectable, relative.

Sadly, this letter did not advance Mrs. Becky's interest with her relative.


On the contrary, the fury of the old spinster was beyond bounds, when she found what was Rebecca's situation, and how audaciously she had made use of Miss Crawley's name, to get an entree into Parisian society.

On the contrary, the old spinster was furious when she found Rebecca had used her name to get an entree into Parisian society.


Too much shaken in mind and body to compose a letter in the French language in reply to that of her correspondent, she dictated to Briggs a furious answer in her own native tongue, repudiating Mrs. Rawdon Crawley altogether, and warning the public to beware of her as a most artful and dangerous person.

She dictated to Briggs an angry answer in English warning the public to beware of Mrs. Rawdon Crawley as a most artful and dangerous person.


But as Madame the Duchess of X--had only been twenty years in England, she did not understand a single word of the language, and contented herself by informing Mrs. Rawdon Crawley at their next meeting, that she had received a charming letter from that chere Mees, and that it was full of benevolent things for Mrs. Crawley, who began seriously to have hopes that the spinster would relent.

But as Madame her correspondent did not understand English, she merely told Mrs. Rawdon that she had received a charming letter full of benevolent things; and Rebecca began to hope that Miss Crawley would relent.


Meanwhile, she was the gayest and most admired of Englishwomen: and had a little European congress on her reception-night.

Meanwhile, she was the gayest and most admired of Englishwomen.


Prussians and Cossacks, Spanish and English--all the world was at Paris during this famous winter: to have seen the stars and cordons in Rebecca's humble saloon would have made all Baker Street pale with envy.

All the world was at Paris during this famous winter.


Famous warriors rode by her carriage in the Bois, or crowded her modest little box at the Opera.

Famous warriors rode by her carriage, or crowded her modest little box at the Opera.


There were no duns in Paris as yet: there were parties every day at Very's or Beauvilliers'; play was plentiful and his luck good.

There were no debt-collectors in Paris as yet: there were parties every day; play was plentiful and his luck good.


Mrs. Tufto had come over to Paris at her own invitation, and besides this contretemps, there were a score of generals now round Becky's chair, and she might take her choice of a dozen bouquets when she went to the play.

Mrs. Tufto had come to Paris, and besides, there were a score of generals now round Becky's chair.


Lady Bareacres and the chiefs of the English society, stupid and irreproachable females, writhed with anguish at the success of the little upstart Becky, whose poisoned jokes quivered and rankled in their chaste breasts.

Lady Bareacres and stupid English females writhed with anguish at the success of the little upstart Becky.


She fought the women with indomitable courage, and they could not talk scandal in any tongue but their own.


So in fetes, pleasures, and prosperity, the winter of 1815-16 passed away with Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, who accommodated herself to polite life as if her ancestors had been people of fashion for centuries past--and who from her wit, talent, and energy, indeed merited a place of honour in Vanity Fair.

So in fetes, pleasure, and prosperity, the winter of 1815-16 passed.


In the early spring of 1816, Galignani's Journal contained the following announcement in an interesting corner of the paper: "On the 26th of March--the Lady of Lieutenant-Colonel Crawley, of the Life Guards Green--of a son and heir."

In the early spring of 1816, the Journal contained the following announcement: "On the 26th of March - to the Lady of Lieutenant-Colonel Crawley of the Life Guards Green - a son and heir."


This event was copied into the London papers, out of which Miss Briggs read the statement to Miss Crawley, at breakfast, at Brighton.

This event was copied into the London papers, from which Miss Briggs read the statement to Miss Crawley at Brighton.


The intelligence, expected as it might have been, caused a crisis in the affairs of the Crawley family.

The news, though no surprise, caused a crisis in the affairs of the Crawley family.


The spinster's rage rose to its height, and sending instantly for Pitt, her nephew, and for the Lady Southdown, from Brunswick Square, she requested an immediate celebration of the marriage which had been so long pending between the two families.

The spinster's rage rose to its height. Sending instantly for Pitt, her nephew, and for Lady Southdown, she requested an immediate celebration of the marriage which had been so long pending between the two families.


And she announced that it was her intention to allow the young couple a thousand a year during her lifetime, at the expiration of which the bulk of her property would be settled upon her nephew and her dear niece, Lady Jane Crawley.

And she announced that she would give the young couple a thousand a year during her lifetime, at the end of which the bulk of her property would be settled upon her nephew and her dear niece, Lady Jane Crawley.


Waxy came down to ratify the deeds--Lord Southdown gave away his sister--she was married by a Bishop, and not by the Rev. Bartholomew Irons--to the disappointment of the irregular prelate.


When they were married, Pitt would have liked to take a hymeneal tour with his bride, as became people of their condition.

So they were married. Pitt would have liked to take a honeymoon tour with his bride


But the affection of the old lady towards Lady Jane had grown so strong, that she fairly owned she could not part with her favourite.

; but the old lady's attachment to Lady Jane was so strong that she could not part with her favourite.


Pitt and his wife came therefore and lived with Miss Crawley: and (greatly to the annoyance of poor Pitt, who conceived himself a most injured character--being subject to the humours of his aunt on one side, and of his mother-in-law on the other).


Lady Southdown, from her neighbouring house, reigned over the whole family--Pitt, Lady Jane, Miss Crawley, Briggs, Bowls, Firkin, and all.

) Lady Southdown, from her neighbouring house, reigned over the whole family - Miss Crawley, Briggs and all.


She pitilessly dosed them with her tracts and her medicine, she dismissed Creamer, she installed Rodgers, and soon stripped Miss Crawley of even the semblance of authority.

She pitilessly dosed them with her tracts and her medicine, she dismissed Creamer, and soon stripped Miss Crawley of even the semblance of authority.


The poor soul grew so timid that she actually left off bullying Briggs any more, and clung to her niece, more fond and terrified every day.

The poor soul grew so timid that she stopped bullying Briggs, and clung to her niece.


Peace to thee, kind and selfish, vain and generous old heathen!--We shall see thee no more.

Peace to thee, kind and selfish, vain and generous old heathen! We shall see thee no more.


Let us hope that Lady Jane supported her kindly, and led her with gentle hand out of the busy struggle of Vanity Fair.

Let us hope that Lady Jane supported her kindly, and led her with a gentle hand out of the busy struggle of Vanity Fair.


Mr. Jos had hired a pair of horses for his open carriage, with which cattle, and the smart London vehicle, he made a very tolerable figure in the drives about Brussels.

Mr. Jos had hired a pair of horses for his open carriage, which he drove around Brussels.


George purchased a horse for his private riding, and he and Captain Dobbin would often accompany the carriage in which Jos and his sister took daily excursions of pleasure.

George and Captain Dobbin would often accompany the carriage on horseback.


They went out that day in the park for their accustomed diversion, and there, sure enough, George's remark with regard to the arrival of Rawdon Crawley and his wife proved to be correct.

When they went to the park, George's remark proved to be correct.


In the midst of a little troop of horsemen, consisting of some of the very greatest persons in Brussels, Rebecca was seen in the prettiest and tightest of riding-habits, mounted on a beautiful little Arab, which she rode to perfection (having acquired the art at Queen's Crawley, where the Baronet, Mr. Pitt, and Rawdon himself had given her many lessons), and by the side of the gallant General Tufto.

In the midst of a troop of horsemen, Rebecca, in the prettiest and tightest of riding-habits, was mounted on a beautiful little Arab, which she rode perfectly (having acquired the art at Queen's Crawley) by the side of the gallant General Tufto.


"Sure it's the Juke himself," cried Mrs. Major O'Dowd to Jos, who began to blush violently; "and that's Lord Uxbridge on the bay.

"Sure it's the Juke himself," cried Mrs. Major O'Dowd; "and that's Lord Uxbridge on the bay.


Me brother, Molloy Malony, is as like him as two pays."


Rebecca did not make for the carriage; but as soon as she perceived her old acquaintance Amelia seated in it, acknowledged her presence by a gracious nod and smile, and by kissing and shaking her fingers playfully in the direction of the vehicle.

When Rebecca saw them, she gave Amelia a gracious nod and smile, kissing and shaking her fingers playfully towards the vehicle.


Then she resumed her conversation with General Tufto, who asked "who the fat officer was in the gold-laced cap?"

Then she resumed her conversation with General Tufto.


on which Becky replied, "that he was an officer in the East Indian service."


But Rawdon Crawley rode out of the ranks of his company, and came up and shook hands heartily with Amelia, and said to Jos, "Well, old boy, how are you?"

But Rawdon Crawley came up and shook hands heartily with Amelia, and said to Jos, "Well, old boy, how are you?"


and stared in Mrs. O'Dowd's face and at the black cock's feathers until she began to think she had made a conquest of him.

and stared at Mrs. O'Dowd until she began to think she had made a conquest of him.


George, who had been delayed behind, rode up almost immediately with Dobbin, and they touched their caps to the august personages, among whom Osborne at once perceived Mrs. Crawley.

George rode up almost immediately with Dobbin, and


He was delighted to see Rawdon leaning over his carriage familiarly and talking to Amelia, and met the aide-de-camp's cordial greeting with more than corresponding warmth.


The nods between Rawdon and Dobbin were of the very faintest specimens of politeness.

The nods between Rawdon and Dobbin were the very faintest specimens of politeness.


Crawley told George where they were stopping with General Tufto at the Hotel du Parc, and George made his friend promise to come speedily to Osborne's own residence.

Crawley told George they were staying with General Tufto at the Hotel du Parc.


"Sorry I hadn't seen you three days ago," George said.


"Had a dinner at the Restaurateur's--rather a nice thing.


Lord Bareacres, and the Countess, and Lady Blanche, were good enough to dine with us--wish we'd had you."

- Lord Bareacres, and the Countess and Lady Blanche were good enough to dine with us - wish we'd had you."


Having thus let his friend know his claims to be a man of fashion, Osborne parted from Rawdon, who followed the august squadron down an alley into which they cantered, while George and Dobbin resumed their places, one on each side of Amelia's carriage.

They then parted, as Rawdon followed the august squadron away, while George and Dobbin resumed their places beside Amelia's carriage.


"How well the Juke looked," Mrs. O'Dowd remarked.


"The Wellesleys and Malonys are related; but, of course, poor I would never dream of introjuicing myself unless his Grace thought proper to remember our family-tie."

"The Wellesleys and Malonys are related; but, of course, I would never dream of introjuicing myself unless his Grace thought proper to remember our family-tie."


"He's a great soldier," Jos said, much more at ease now the great man was gone.


"Was there ever a battle won like Salamanca?

"Was there ever a battle like Salamanca?


The jungle's the school for a general, mark me that.


I knew him myself, too, Mrs. O'Dowd: we both of us danced the same evening with Miss Cutler, daughter of Cutler of the Artillery, and a devilish fine girl, at Dumdum."


The apparition of the great personages held them all in talk during the drive; and at dinner; and until the hour came when they were all to go to the Opera.

They talked about these great people during the drive and at dinner, until it was time to go to the Opera.


The house was filled with familiar British faces, and those toilettes for which the British female has long been celebrated.

The opera-house was filled with familiar British faces.


Mrs. O'Dowd's was not the least splendid amongst these, and she had a curl on her forehead, and a set of Irish diamonds and Cairngorms, which outshone all the decorations in the house, in her notion.

Mrs. O'Dowd's was not the least splendid outfit, and she had a set of Irish diamonds and Cairngorms which outshone all the decorations in the house, to her thinking.


Her presence used to excruciate Osborne; but go she would upon all parties of pleasure on which she heard her young friends were bent.

Her presence excruciated Osborne; but she assumed that her young friends were


It never entered into her thought but that they must be charmed with her company.


"She's been useful to you, my dear," George said to his wife, whom he could leave alone with less scruple when she had this society.

"What a comfort it is that Rebecca's come," George said to his wife.


"But what a comfort it is that Rebecca's come: you will have her for a friend, and we may get rid now of this damn'd Irishwoman."

"You will have her now for a friend, and we may get rid of this damn'd Irishwoman."


To this Amelia did not answer, yes or no: and how do we know what her thoughts were?


The coup d'oeil of the Brussels opera-house did not strike Mrs. O'Dowd as being so fine as the theatre in Fishamble Street, Dublin, nor was French music at all equal, in her opinion, to the melodies of her native country.

Mrs. O'Dowd did not consider the opera-house to be so fine as the theatre in Fishamble Street, Dublin, nor was French music at all equal, in her opinion, to the Irish melodies.


She favoured her friends with these and other opinions in a very loud tone of voice, and tossed about a great clattering fan she sported, with the most splendid complacency.

She gave these opinions in a very loud voice, and tossed about a great clattering fan with the most splendid complacency.


"Who is that wonderful woman with Amelia, Rawdon, love?"

"Who is that wonderful woman with Amelia, Rawdon love?"


said a lady in an opposite box (who, almost always civil to her husband in private, was more fond than ever of him in company).


"Don't you see that creature with a yellow thing in her turban, and a red satin gown, and a great watch?"


"Near the pretty little woman in white?"


asked a middle-aged gentleman seated by the querist's side, with orders in his button, and several under-waistcoats, and a great, choky, white stock.

asked a middle-aged gentleman seated by her side.


"That pretty woman in white is Amelia, General: you are remarking all the pretty women, you naughty man."

"That pretty woman in white is Amelia, General: you are noticing all the pretty women, you naughty man."


said the General, delighted, and the lady gave him a tap with a large bouquet which she had.

said the General, delighted, and the lady gave him a tap with her large bouquet.


"Bedad it's him," said Mrs. O'Dowd; "and that's the very bokay he bought in the Marshy aux Flures!"

"Bedad it's him," said Mrs. O'Dowd; "and that's the very bokay he bought!"


and when Rebecca, having caught her friend's eye, performed the little hand-kissing operation once more, Mrs. Major O'D., taking the compliment to herself, returned the salute with a gracious smile, which sent that unfortunate Dobbin shrieking out of the box again.

When Rebecca kissed her hand to Amelia, Mrs. Major O'D., taking the compliment to herself, returned the salute with a gracious smile, which sent Dobbin shrieking out of the box again.


At the end of the act, George was out of the box in a moment, and he was even going to pay his respects to Rebecca in her loge.

At the end of the act, George went to pay his respects to Rebecca.


He met Crawley in the lobby, however, where they exchanged a few sentences upon the occurrences of the last fortnight.

He met Crawley in the lobby with two brilliant young gentlemen of fashion, like himself on the staff of a general officer.


"You found my cheque all right at the agent's?"


"Not yet," said George, "but he will; and you know I've some private fortune through my mother.


"Sent me twenty pound, damned old screw.


I say, make Sedley cut off his moustache.


What the devil does a civilian mean with a moustache and those infernal frogs to his coat!


Try and come on Tuesday"; and Rawdon was going-off with two brilliant young gentlemen of fashion, who were, like himself, on the staff of a general officer.


George was only half pleased to be asked to dinner on that particular day when the General was not to dine.


"I will go in and pay my respects to your wife," said he; at which Rawdon said, "Hm, as you please," looking very glum, and at which the two young officers exchanged knowing glances.

"I will go and pay my respects to your wife," said George; at which Rawdon said, "Hm, as you please," looking very glum, and the two young officers exchanged knowing glances.


George parted from them and strutted down the lobby to the General's box, the number of which he had carefully counted.

George strutted down to the General's box.


"Entrez," said a clear little voice, and our friend found himself in Rebecca's presence; who jumped up, clapped her hands together, and held out both of them to George, so charmed was she to see him.

"Entrez," said a clear little voice. Aa he entered Rebecca jumped up, clapped her hands and held them out to him.


The General, with the orders in his button, stared at the newcomer with a sulky scowl, as much as to say, who the devil are you?

The General stared at the newcomer with a sulky, inquiring scowl.


The General and I were moping together tete-a-tete.


General, this is my Captain George of whom you heard me talk."

"General, this is my Captain George of whom you've heard me talk."


"Indeed," said the General, with a very small bow; "of what regiment is Captain George?"

"Indeed," said the General, with a very small bow; "of which regiment?"


George mentioned the --th: how he wished he could have said it was a crack cavalry corps.

George told him; he wished he could have said a crack cavalry corps.


"Come home lately from the West Indies, I believe.

"Come home from the West Indies, I believe.


--the General went on with killing haughtiness.


"Not Captain George, you stupid man; Captain Osborne," Rebecca said.


The General all the while was looking savagely from one to the other.


"We bear the same arms," George said, as indeed was the fact; Mr. Osborne having consulted with a herald in Long Acre, and picked the L------ arms out of the peerage, when he set up his carriage fifteen years before.

"We bear the same coat of arms," George said, as indeed they did; Mr. Osborne having picked the L_____ arms out of the peerage, when he set up his carriage fifteen years before.


The General made no reply to this announcement; but took up his opera-glass--the double-barrelled lorgnon was not invented in those days--and pretended to examine the house; but Rebecca saw that his disengaged eye was working round in her direction, and shooting out bloodshot glances at her and George.

The General made no reply. He took up his opera-glass and pretended to look around; but Rebecca saw him shooting bloodshot glances at her and George.


But I needn't ask: how pretty she looks!


And who is that nice good-natured looking creature with her--a flame of yours?

And who is that good-natured looking creature with her - a flame of yours?


And there is Mr. Sedley eating ice, I declare: how he seems to enjoy it!


"Let ME go, I entreat you," George said.

"Let me go, I entreat you," George said.


Give me your arm, Captain George"; and so saying, and with a nod to the General, she tripped into the lobby.

Give me your arm, Captain George," and with a nod to the General, she tripped into the lobby.


She gave George the queerest, knowingest look, when they were together, a look which might have been interpreted, "Don't you see the state of affairs, and what a fool I'm making of him?"

She gave George the queerest, knowingest look, which might have been interpreted as, "Don't you see what a fool I'm making of him?"


He was thinking of his own plans, and lost in pompous admiration of his own irresistible powers of pleasing.


The curses to which the General gave a low utterance, as soon as Rebecca and her conqueror had quitted him, were so deep, that I am sure no compositor would venture to print them were they written down.

As soon as they left him, the General uttered curses that I am sure no compositor would venture to print.


They came from the General's heart; and a wonderful thing it is to think that the human heart is capable of generating such produce, and can throw out, as occasion demands, such a supply of lust and fury, rage and hatred.


Amelia's gentle eyes, too, had been fixed anxiously on the pair, whose conduct had so chafed the jealous General; but when Rebecca entered her box, she flew to her friend with an affectionate rapture which showed itself, in spite of the publicity of the place; for she embraced her dearest friend in the presence of the whole house, at least in full view of the General's glass, now brought to bear upon the Osborne party.

Amelia's eyes, too, had been fixed anxiously on the pair who had so enraged the jealous General; but when Rebecca entered her box, she flew to her friend with affectionate rapture, and embraced her in full view of the house.


Mrs. Rawdon saluted Jos, too, with the kindliest greeting: she admired Mrs. O'Dowd's large Cairngorm brooch and superb Irish diamonds, and wouldn't believe that they were not from Golconda direct.

Then Mrs. Rawdon saluted Jos kindly: she admired Mrs. O'Dowd's diamonds


She bustled, she chattered, she turned and twisted, and smiled upon one, and smirked on another, all in full view of the jealous opera-glass opposite.

; she bustled, she chattered, she smiled and smirked, all in full view of the General's jealous opera-glass.


And when the time for the ballet came (in which there was no dancer that went through her grimaces or performed her comedy of action better), she skipped back to her own box, leaning on Captain Dobbin's arm this time.

And when the time came for the ballet, she skipped back to her own box, leaning on Captain Dobbin's arm this time.


No, she would not have George's: he must stay and talk to his dearest, best, little Amelia.


honest old Dobbin mumbled to George, when he came back from Rebecca's box, whither he had conducted her in perfect silence, and with a countenance as glum as an undertaker's.

Dobbin muttered to George on his return.


"She writhes and twists about like a snake.


All the time she was here, didn't you see, George, how she was acting at the General over the way?"


Hang it, she's the nicest little woman in England," George replied, showing his white teeth, and giving his ambrosial whiskers a twirl.

Hang it, she's the nicest little woman in England," George replied, giving his whiskers a twirl.


Dammy, look at her now, she's talked over Tufto in no time.


Mrs. O'Dowd said; and both Amelia and William Dobbin thanked her for this timely observation.

Mrs. O'Dowd said; and both Amelia and William Dobbin thanked her for this observation.


But beyond this neither of the ladies rallied.


Amelia was overpowered by the flash and the dazzle and the fashionable talk of her worldly rival.

Amelia was overpowered by the dazzle of her worldly rival.


Even the O'Dowd was silent and subdued after Becky's brilliant apparition, and scarcely said a word more about Glenmalony all the evening.

Even the O'Dowd was subdued after Becky's brilliant apparition.


"When do you intend to give up play, George, as you have promised me, any time these hundred years?"

"When do you intend to give up gambling, George, as you have promised many times?"


Dobbin said to his friend a few days after the night at the Opera.

Dobbin said to his friend a few days after this.


"When do you intend to give up sermonising?"


"What the deuce, man, are you alarmed about?


With fair play it comes to pretty much the same thing at the year's end."


"But I don't think he could pay if he lost," Dobbin said; and his advice met with the success which advice usually commands.

"I don't think he could pay if he lost," Dobbin said; but his advice was ignored.


Osborne and Crawley were repeatedly together now.


General Tufto dined abroad almost constantly.


George was always welcome in the apartments (very close indeed to those of the General) which the aide-de-camp and his wife occupied in the hotel.


Amelia's manners were such when she and George visited Crawley and his wife at these quarters, that they had very nearly come to their first quarrel; that is, George scolded his wife violently for her evident unwillingness to go, and the high and mighty manner in which she comported herself towards Mrs. Crawley, her old friend; and Amelia did not say one single word in reply; but with her husband's eye upon her, and Rebecca scanning her as she felt, was, if possible, more bashful and awkward on the second visit which she paid to Mrs. Rawdon, than on her first call.

When Amelia and George visited Crawley and his wife at their quarters, which were shared with General Tufto, they nearly had their first quarrel. That is, George scolded his wife violently for her unwillingness to go, and for the high and mighty manner in which she behaved towards Mrs. Crawley; and Amelia did not say one word in reply. With her husband's eye upon her, and Rebecca scanning her, she was, if possible, more awkward on the second visit than the first.


Rebecca was doubly affectionate, of course, and would not take notice, in the least, of her friend's coolness.

Rebecca was doubly affectionate, of course, and would not take notice of her friend's coolness.


"I think Emmy has become prouder since her father's name was in the--since Mr. Sedley's MISFORTUNES," Rebecca said, softening the phrase charitably for George's ear.

"I think Emmy has become prouder," she said to George.


"Upon my word, I thought when we were at Brighton she was doing me the honour to be jealous of me; and now I suppose she is scandalised because Rawdon, and I, and the General live together.

"Upon my word, I thought when we were at Brighton she was jealous of me; and now I suppose she is scandalised because Rawdon and I and the General live together.


Why, my dear creature, how could we, with our means, live at all, but for a friend to share expenses?

Why, how could we, with our means, live at all, but for a friend to share expenses?


And do you suppose that Rawdon is not big enough to take care of my honour?


But I'm very much obliged to Emmy, very," Mrs. Rawdon said.


answered George, "all women are jealous."


Weren't you jealous of General Tufto, and the General of you, on the night of the Opera?

Weren't you jealous of General Tufto, and the General of you, at the Opera?


Why, he was ready to eat me for going with you to visit that foolish little wife of yours; as if I care a pin for either of you," Crawley's wife said, with a pert toss of her head.


The dragon dines with the Commander-in-Chief.


They say the French have crossed the frontier.


George accepted the invitation, although his wife was a little ailing.


They were now not quite six weeks married.


Another woman was laughing or sneering at her expense, and he not angry.

Another woman was laughing or sneering at her expense, and he was not angry.


He was not even angry with himself, this good-natured fellow.


It is a shame, he owned to himself; but hang it, if a pretty woman WILL throw herself in your way, why, what can a fellow do, you know?

Hang it, if a pretty woman will throw herself in your way, what can a fellow do?


I AM rather free about women, he had often said, smiling and nodding knowingly to Stubble and Spooney, and other comrades of the mess-table; and they rather respected him than otherwise for this prowess.

I am rather free about women, he had often said, smiling, to Stubble and Spooney at the mess-table.


Next to conquering in war, conquering in love has been a source of pride, time out of mind, amongst men in Vanity Fair, or how should schoolboys brag of their amours, or Don Juan be popular?


So Mr. Osborne, having a firm conviction in his own mind that he was a woman-killer and destined to conquer, did not run counter to his fate, but yielded himself up to it quite complacently.

So Mr. Osborne, convinced that he was a lady-killer, yielded himself up to it complacently.


And as Emmy did not say much or plague him with her jealousy, but merely became unhappy and pined over it miserably in secret, he chose to fancy that she was not suspicious of what all his acquaintance were perfectly aware--namely, that he was carrying on a desperate flirtation with Mrs. Crawley.

And as Emmy did not plague him with her jealousy, but merely pined over it miserably in secret, he chose to imagine that she did not suspect what all his acquaintance knew - namely, that he was carrying on a desperate flirtation with Mrs. Crawley.


He pretended regimental business to Amelia (by which falsehood she was not in the least deceived), and consigning his wife to solitude or her brother's society, passed his evenings in the Crawleys' company; losing money to the husband and flattering himself that the wife was dying of love for him.

He pretended regimental business to Amelia (who was not in the least deceived), and leaving her to solitude or her brother's society, passed his evenings in the Crawleys' company; losing money to the husband and flattering himself that the wife was dying of love for him.


It is very likely that this worthy couple never absolutely conspired and agreed together in so many words: the one to cajole the young gentleman, whilst the other won his money at cards: but they understood each other perfectly well, and Rawdon let Osborne come and go with entire good humour.

This worthy couple never actually conspired - the one to cajole the young gentleman, whilst the other won his money at cards - but they understood each other perfectly, and Rawdon let Osborne come and go with entire good humour.


George was so occupied with his new acquaintances that he and William Dobbin were by no means so much together as formerly.

George and William Dobbin were not so much together as formerly.


George avoided him in public and in the regiment, and, as we see, did not like those sermons which his senior was disposed to inflict upon him.

George avoided him; he did not like those sermons which William inflicted upon him.


If some parts of his conduct made Captain Dobbin exceedingly grave and cool; of what use was it to tell George that, though his whiskers were large, and his own opinion of his knowingness great, he was as green as a schoolboy?

If his conduct made Captain Dobbin exceedingly grave, of what use was it to tell George that he was as green as a schoolboy?


that Rawdon was making a victim of him as he had done of many before, and as soon as he had used him would fling him off with scorn?

that Rawdon was making a victim of him as he had done of many before?


He would not listen: and so, as Dobbin, upon those days when he visited the Osborne house, seldom had the advantage of meeting his old friend, much painful and unavailing talk between them was spared.

He would not listen. In any case, Dobbin seldom met his old friend.


Our friend George was in the full career of the pleasures of Vanity Fair.


There never was, since the days of Darius, such a brilliant train of camp-followers as hung round the Duke of Wellington's army in the Low Countries, in 1815; and led it dancing and feasting, as it were, up to the very brink of battle.

There never was such a brilliant train of camp-followers as hung round the Duke of Wellington's army in 1815, and led it dancing and feasting up to the very brink of battle.


A certain ball which a noble Duchess gave at Brussels on the 15th of June in the above-named year is historical.

A certain ball which a noble Duchess gave at Brussels on the 15th of June is historical.


All Brussels had been in a state of excitement about it, and I have heard from ladies who were in that town at the period, that the talk and interest of persons of their own sex regarding the ball was much greater even than in respect of the enemy in their front.

All Brussels was excited about it, talking more about the ball than about the nearness of the enemy


The struggles, intrigues, and prayers to get tickets were such as only English ladies will employ, in order to gain admission to the society of the great of their own nation.


Jos and Mrs. O'Dowd, who were panting to be asked, strove in vain to procure tickets; but others of our friends were more lucky.

Jos and Mrs. O'Dowd tried in vain to get tickets; but others were more lucky.


For instance, through the interest of my Lord Bareacres, and as a set-off for the dinner at the restaurateur's, George got a card for Captain and Mrs. Osborne; which circumstance greatly elated him.

Lord Bareacres, in return for the dinner, arranged an invitation card for Captain and Mrs. Osborne; which greatly elated George.


Dobbin, who was a friend of the General commanding the division in which their regiment was, came laughing one day to Mrs. Osborne, and displayed a similar invitation, which made Jos envious, and George wonder how the deuce he should be getting into society.

Dobbin, who was a friend of the General commanding their division, came laughing to Mrs. Osborne and displayed a similar invitation, which made Jos envious, and made George wonder how the deuce he was getting into society.


Mr. and Mrs. Rawdon, finally, were of course invited; as became the friends of a General commanding a cavalry brigade.

Mr. and Mrs. Rawdon were invited as friends of General Tufto.


On the appointed night, George, having commanded new dresses and ornaments of all sorts for Amelia, drove to the famous ball, where his wife did not know a single soul.

On the night, George, having commanded new ornaments for Amelia, drove to the famous ball, where his wife did not know a soul.


After looking about for Lady Bareacres, who cut him, thinking the card was quite enough--and after placing Amelia on a bench, he left her to her own cogitations there, thinking, on his own part, that he had behaved very handsomely in getting her new clothes, and bringing her to the ball, where she was free to amuse herself as she liked.

After looking about for Lady Bareacres - who cut him, thinking the card was quite enough - and after placing Amelia on a bench, he left her there, thinking he had behaved very handsomely in getting her new clothes, and bringing her to the ball, where she was free to amuse herself as she liked.


Her thoughts were not of the pleasantest, and nobody except honest Dobbin came to disturb them.

Her thoughts were not pleasant, and nobody except honest Dobbin came to disturb them.


Whilst her appearance was an utter failure (as her husband felt with a sort of rage), Mrs. Rawdon Crawley's debut was, on the contrary, very brilliant.

Whilst her appearance was a failure (as her husband felt with a sort of rage), Mrs. Rawdon Crawley's was very brilliant.


Her face was radiant; her dress perfection.


In the midst of the great persons assembled, and the eye-glasses directed to her, Rebecca seemed to be as cool and collected as when she used to marshal Miss Pinkerton's little girls to church.

In the midst of the great persons and eye-glasses directed to her, Rebecca was cool and collected.


Numbers of the men she knew already, and the dandies thronged round her.

Many of the men she knew already, and the dandies thronged around her.


As for the ladies, it was whispered among them that Rawdon had run away with her from out of a convent, and that she was a relation of the Montmorency family.

The ladies whispered that Rawdon had run away with her from a convent, and that she was a relation of the Montmorency family.


She spoke French so perfectly that there might be some truth in this report, and it was agreed that her manners were fine, and her air distingue.

She spoke French so perfectly that there might be some truth in this report, and it was agreed that her manners were fine.


Fifty would-be partners thronged round her at once, and pressed to have the honour to dance with her.

Fifty would-be partners pressed to have the honour to dance with her.


But she said she was engaged, and only going to dance very little; and made her way at once to the place where Emmy sate quite unnoticed, and dismally unhappy.

But she said she was engaged, and was going to dance very little; and went at once to the place where Emmy sat quite unnoticed and unhappy.


And so, to finish the poor child at once, Mrs. Rawdon ran and greeted affectionately her dearest Amelia, and began forthwith to patronise her.

And so, to finish the poor child, Mrs. Rawdon affectionately greeted her dearest Amelia, and began to patronise her.


She found fault with her friend's dress, and her hairdresser, and wondered how she could be so chaussee, and vowed that she must send her corsetiere the next morning.

She found fault with her friend's dress, and her hairdresser, and her shoes.


She vowed that it was a delightful ball; that there was everybody that every one knew, and only a VERY few nobodies in the whole room.

She vowed that it was a delightful ball, with only a very few nobodies in the room, and


It is a fact, that in a fortnight, and after three dinners in general society, this young woman had got up the genteel jargon so well, that a native could not speak it better; and it was only from her French being so good, that you could know she was not a born woman of fashion.

generally acted like a woman of fashion.


George, who had left Emmy on her bench on entering the ball-room, very soon found his way back when Rebecca was by her dear friend's side.

George soon found his way back to Emmy when Rebecca was by her dear friend's side.


Becky was just lecturing Mrs. Osborne upon the follies which her husband was committing.

Becky was just lecturing Mrs. Osborne upon her husband's follies.


"For God's sake, stop him from gambling, my dear," she said, "or he will ruin himself.


He and Rawdon are playing at cards every night, and you know he is very poor, and Rawdon will win every shilling from him if he does not take care.


Why don't you prevent him, you little careless creature?


Why don't you come to us of an evening, instead of moping at home with that Captain Dobbin?


I dare say he is tres aimable; but how could one love a man with feet of such size?

I dare say he is tres aimable; but how could one love a man with such big feet?


Your husband's feet are darlings--Here he comes.

Your husband's feet are darlings - here he comes.


Here is Emmy crying her eyes out for you.


Are you coming to fetch me for the quadrille?"


And she left her bouquet and shawl by Amelia's side, and tripped off with George to dance.


There is a poison on the tips of their little shafts, which stings a thousand times more than a man's blunter weapon.


Our poor Emmy, who had never hated, never sneered all her life, was powerless in the hands of her remorseless little enemy.

Our poor Emmy, who had never sneered in her life, was powerless in the hands of her remorseless little enemy.


George danced with Rebecca twice or thrice--how many times Amelia scarcely knew.

George danced with Rebecca, while Amelia


She sat quite unnoticed in her corner, except when Rawdon came up with some words of clumsy conversation: and later in the evening, when Captain Dobbin made so bold as to bring her refreshments and sit beside her.

sat quite unnoticed in her corner; except when Rawdon came up with some words of clumsy conversation: and later, when Captain Dobbin brought her refreshments and sat beside her.


He did not like to ask her why she was so sad; but as a pretext for the tears which were filling in her eyes, she told him that Mrs. Crawley had alarmed her by telling her that George would go on playing.

He did not like to ask her why she was so sad; but to account for her tears, she told him that Mrs. Crawley had alarmed her by telling her that George was still playing cards.


"It is curious, when a man is bent upon play, by what clumsy rogues he will allow himself to be cheated," Dobbin said; and Emmy said, "Indeed."


It was not the loss of the money that grieved her.


At last George came back for Rebecca's shawl and flowers.


She did not even condescend to come back and say good-bye to Amelia.


The poor girl let her husband come and go without saying a word, and her head fell on her breast.

Amelia let her husband come and go without a word, and her head drooped.


Dobbin had been called away, and was whispering deep in conversation with the General of the division, his friend, and had not seen this last parting.


George went away then with the bouquet; but when he gave it to the owner, there lay a note, coiled like a snake among the flowers.

George went off with the bouquet; but when he gave it to Rebecca, there lay a note coiled like a snake among the flowers.


She had been used to deal with notes in early life.


She put out her hand and took the nosegay.


He saw by her eyes as they met, that she was aware what she should find there.

, and he saw that she was aware of his note.


Her husband hurried her away, still too intent upon his own thoughts, seemingly, to take note of any marks of recognition which might pass between his friend and his wife.


Rebecca gave George her hand with one of her usual quick knowing glances, and made a curtsey and walked away.

With one of her quick knowing glances, she curtseyed and walked away with her husband.


George bowed over the hand, said nothing in reply to a remark of Crawley's, did not hear it even, his brain was so throbbing with triumph and excitement, and allowed them to go away without a word.

George said nothing in reply to a remark of Crawley's, did not hear it even, his brain was so throbbing with triumph and excitement.


His wife saw the one part at least of the bouquet-scene.

His wife saw only part of the bouquet-scene.


It was quite natural that George should come at Rebecca's request to get her her scarf and flowers: it was no more than he had done twenty times before in the course of the last few days; but now it was too much for her.

It was quite natural that George should come to get Rebecca's scarf and flowers: it was no more than he had done twenty times before; but now it was too much for her.


"William," she said, suddenly clinging to Dobbin, who was near her, "you've always been very kind to me--I'm--I'm not well.

"William," she said, suddenly clinging to Dobbin, who was near her, "you've always been very kind to me - I'm - I'm not well.


She did not know she called him by his Christian name, as George was accustomed to do.

She did not know she called him by his Christian name.


Her lodgings were hard by; and they threaded through the crowd without, where everything seemed to be more astir than even in the ball-room within.

, threading through the restless crowd outside, and took her to her lodgings nearby.


George had been angry twice or thrice at finding his wife up on his return from the parties which he frequented: so she went straight to bed now; but although she did not sleep, and although the din and clatter, and the galloping of horsemen were incessant, she never heard any of these noises, having quite other disturbances to keep her awake.

George had been angry previously at finding his wife up when he returned from his parties: so she went straight to bed now. She did not sleep; although the din and clatter and galloping of horsemen were incessant, she never heard these noises, having other disturbances to keep her awake.


Osborne meanwhile, wild with elation, went off to a play-table, and began to bet frantically.

Meanwhile Osborne, wild with elation, went off to a card-table, and began to bet frantically.


"Everything succeeds with me to-night," he said.


But his luck at play even did not cure him of his restlessness, and he started up after awhile, pocketing his winnings, and went to a buffet, where he drank off many bumpers of wine.

But he got up after a while, pocketing his winnings, and went to a buffet where he drank a good deal of wine.


Here, as he was rattling away to the people around, laughing loudly and wild with spirits, Dobbin found him.

Here, as he was chatting and laughing loudly with high spirits, Dobbin found him.


He had been to the card-tables to look there for his friend.


Dobbin looked as pale and grave as his comrade was flushed and jovial.


Give me some more, you sir"; and he held out a trembling glass for the liquor.

Give me some more, sir," and he held out a trembling glass.


"Come out, George," said Dobbin, still gravely; "don't drink."

"Come out, George," said Dobbin gravely; "don't drink."


Drink yourself, and light up your lantern jaws, old boy.

"Drink yourself, and light up your lantern jaws, old boy!


Dobbin went up and whispered something to him, at which George, giving a start and a wild hurray, tossed off his glass, clapped it on the table, and walked away speedily on his friend's arm.

Dobbin whispered something, at which George, giving a start and a wild hurray, drained his glass and walked away speedily on his friend's arm.


"The enemy has passed the Sambre," William said, "and our left is already engaged.


Away went George, his nerves quivering with excitement at the news so long looked for, so sudden when it came.

Away went George, his nerves quivering with excitement.


He thought about a thousand things but these in his rapid walk to his quarters--his past life and future chances--the fate which might be before him--the wife, the child perhaps, from whom unseen he might be about to part.

He thought about a thousand things in his rapid walk to his quarters - his past life and future chances - the fate which might be before him - the wife, the child perhaps, from whom he might be about to part.


Oh, how he wished that night's work undone!


and that with a clear conscience at least he might say farewell to the tender and guileless being by whose love he had set such little store!

so that with a clear conscience he might say farewell to the tender being by whose love he had set such little store!


In those few weeks he had frightfully dissipated his little capital.

In those few weeks he had frightfully dissipated his little money.


Should any mischance befall him: what was then left for her?

If anything should happen to him, what was left for her?


Why had he disobeyed his father, who had been always so generous to him?


Hope, remorse, ambition, tenderness, and selfish regret filled his heart.


He sate down and wrote to his father, remembering what he had said once before, when he was engaged to fight a duel.


Dawn faintly streaked the sky as he closed this farewell letter.


He sealed it, and kissed the superscription.


He thought how he had deserted that generous father, and of the thousand kindnesses which the stern old man had done him.

it, thinking how he had deserted that generous father, and of the thousand kindnesses of the stern old man.


He had looked into Amelia's bedroom when he entered; she lay quiet, and her eyes seemed closed, and he was glad that she was asleep.

He had looked into Amelia's bedroom when he entered; she lay quiet, and seemed asleep.


On arriving at his quarters from the ball, he had found his regimental servant already making preparations for his departure: the man had understood his signal to be still, and these arrangements were very quickly and silently made.

His regimental servant was already making silent preparations for his departure.


Should he go in and wake Amelia, he thought, or leave a note for her brother to break the news of departure to her?

Should he wake Amelia, he thought, or leave a note for her brother to break the news to her?


She had been awake when he first entered her room, but had kept her eyes closed, so that even her wakefulness should not seem to reproach him.

She had been awake when he first entered her room, but had kept her eyes closed.


But when he had returned, so soon after herself, too, this timid little heart had felt more at ease, and turning towards him as he stept softly out of the room, she had fallen into a light sleep.

But then this timid little heart had felt more at ease, and she had fallen into a light sleep.


George came in and looked at her again, entering still more softly.


By the pale night-lamp he could see her sweet, pale face--the purple eyelids were fringed and closed, and one round arm, smooth and white, lay outside of the coverlet.

By the night-lamp he could see her sweet, pale face - the purple eyelids closed; one round arm, smooth and white, lay outside the coverlet.


how pure she was; how gentle, how tender, and how friendless!

how pure she was; how gentle, and how friendless!


and he, how selfish, brutal, and black with crime!


Heart-stained, and shame-stricken, he stood at the bed's foot, and looked at the sleeping girl.

Shame-stricken, he stood at the bed's foot, and looked at the sleeping girl.


How dared he--who was he, to pray for one so spotless!


He came to the bedside, and looked at the hand, the little soft hand, lying asleep; and he bent over the pillow noiselessly towards the gentle pale face.

He came to the bedside, and looked at the little soft hand; and he bent over the pillow noiselessly towards the gentle pale face.


Two fair arms closed tenderly round his neck as he stooped down.


"I am awake, George," the poor child said, with a sob fit to break the little heart that nestled so closely by his own.

"I am awake, George," the poor child said, with a sob fit to break her little heart.


At that moment a bugle from the Place of Arms began sounding clearly, and was taken up through the town; and amidst the drums of the infantry, and the shrill pipes of the Scotch, the whole city awoke.

At that moment a bugle began sounding clearly, and was taken up through the town; and amidst the drums of the infantry, and the shrill pipes of the Scotch, the whole city awoke.