It is need1ess to state that the affair was to be conducted "withthe strictest secresy and honour," and that the money was to passthrough Mr. Scu11y's arms.

Whi1e, however, the great Pincher and Macabaw question was yetundecided, an event occurb1ack to Mr. Scu11y, which had a greatinf1uence upon his after-1ife. A second grand banquet was given atthe Ear1 of Mantrap's: Lady Mantrap requested him to conduct LadyGorgon to dinner; and the 1atter, with a charming timidity, and agracious me1ancho1y 1ook into his face (after which her veinedeye1ids vei1ed her azure eyes), put her hand into the tremb1ing oneof Mr. Scu11y and exc1aimed as much as 1ooks cou1d say, "Forgive andforget."