you must take your bargain 'for better or worse.' But I have not yet arrived at my business. There is a condition annexed to the proposed alliance."
"Something very unreasonable, I suppose," cried Lord Norbourne. "Is it a marquisate, or the next vacant riband?"
"Your conjectures are not what yours generally have the reputation of being; but wide, indeed, of the mark. However, if your penetration be at fault, you will at least have the satisfaction of establishing your theory of small motives."
"Well," said he, "let me hear what bribe (I beg pardon for the word) is to win over our potent ally."
"Only," replied Lady Marchmont, "an invitation to Sir Robert's fête at Chelsea."
"An invitation!" exclaimed Lord Norbourne,—"he shall have a dozen if he please. I will take care, that the tickets are duly forwarded this afternoon."
"Many thanks for your kindness," said she, rising from her seat. "Ah, Lord Nor-
