turbed the harmony of the company, which she was most anxious to promote, as she was indefatigable herself in banding the refreshments, and pressing every person to have a hot cup of tea, or a strong cup of coffee, and then they would be able to take a hand at wisk or cassino. Miss Charlotte Modish and Mr. Symphony entertained the company with small talk, and it was whispered by the brothers how amiable and void of pride their sister was, as a relation had left her forty thousand pounds, besides what their father could give her. Sir Timothy Flight departed early, when some of the company rallied Miss Charlotte Modish about the Baronet, and admired the horse which she rode. She simpered, looked as young ladies do who are pleased to be thought in love; denied there being any truth in the report; confessed that it depended on her whether she would accept of the beautiful palfrey; but she had not yet determined, as her conduct always was directed by her papa, and her dear mamma. After the visitors had satisfied their curiosity, they soon departed, which proved a very distressing circumstance to the lady of the house, as a gentleman, who visited at the Pavilion, had promised Mr. Symphony that he would look in; and she flattered herself through him to be invited to the Prince's parties. Mr. Ton, however, did not make his entrée until nearly midnight, when Mrs. Modish received him. with open arms, expressing her sincere sorrow that he had not arrived sooner, as she was sure the tea and coffee would be quite cold; but if he would condescend to say which he would have, a hot cup should be got immediately, and a comfortable bit of toast, unless he liked bread and butter better. Hearing a lady ask Mr. Ton after his daughter, she called to Mr. Abraham Modish, in not the most gentle manner, to reprimand him for not tell ing her that Mr. Ton was blessed with a family, as, to be sure, she should have invited the whole of them; therefore she trusted that he would not be offended at the neglect, and at another time, and soon she hoped, to be introduced to them. Mr. Ton bowed, but it so happened, though he had a very good girl as a daughter, that he had never been married, and had no other family. Those who knew this were much gratified at hearing all Mrs. Abraham Modish's polite apologies, but as that part of the company who remained had been sometime waiting for their chairs, and had long wished to retire, she could not make up a card table. Mr. Ton, with the care which always attends persons accustomed to genteel society, assured Mrs. Modish, that, unless he could be useful to her, he had rather not play, as he preferred chatting, and he paid her such attention as convinced her that she must be quite a woman of polished manners, otherwise he would not have devoted his attention to her, and she had no doubt of becoming the leading person in Brighton, for elegance and fashion, and that she should have the honour of entertaining the Prince. With this impression, the family of the Modishes retired to rest, perfectly happy in having thus far ac- ̧ complished the object of their wishes; and no doubt they dreamed of coronets and all the et cæteras of grandeur. CHAP. II. I see the circling hunt of noisy men A FEW days after Mrs. Abraham Modish's rout, Mrs. Mortimer had two friends to call upon her, Mr. Charles Stanton, and the royal marine artillery officer, the latter coming purposely to try Sir Timothy Flight's new invented gun, on which she sent to request the favour |