snow showed that the wearer had studied in the same school as that of the above-mentioned Beau.

The only articles of jewellery which ornamented the man of money, were a pair of beautifully enamelled wrist buttons, a small gold watch chain, and a large brilliant, set openly in a plain gold ring. The latter was a sad blemish to the otherwise good taste of the wearer, and proved that 'specks' may be found in almost every sublunary object.

After a few common-place remarks, he proceeded to enquire in what way he could have the pleasure of serving me. In reply, I briefly stated my case, and pointed out my expectancies. "Your name, Captain Courtenay," said the usurer, "is as good as the bank, and if I had any cash at command, I should be delighted to advance it on your note of hand."

I gave a smile of approval, when he continued.-

"But unfortunately my money is tied up. I do, however, know a friend who might be induced to negotiate a loan; but I fear he would require collateral security- the signature of a responsible party to back the bill."

At this remark I looked particularly foolish; not being able to call to my mind so egregious an idiot as one that would come forward to compromise (if not ruin) himself on my behalf. A dead silence ensued, which was broken by Mr. Hawksley.

"Without legal or collateral security," said this respectable individual, "it would be next to impossible to arrange a loan. Still, if the difficulties are great, and cash is requisite, I will strain a point to meet the wishes of the son of a nobleman for whom I entertain the most profound respect."

I bowed my thanks, the money-lender proceeded.

"The Honourable Philip Courtenay, I think

you said-Lieutenant in theth regiment, the price of your company lodged at the agent's, married the coheiress of Patrick O'Crohon of Mahala and Castle Clounish, in the counties of Kilkenny and Monaghan."

These notes were duly entered into a common-place book, and Mr. Hawksley, wishing to terminate the interview, rose from his chair, saying

"I happen to know a party who has a few thousands to invest-he dines with me tomorrow, to meet Lord Bibury, the Honourable Major Anjou, and a few friends; if you are disengaged, and would do me the honour of joining us at half-past seven, it would give me much. pleasure, and might facilitate the transaction, should I fail in other quarters.'

Thanking my new acquaintance for his proffered hospitality, which I accepted, but not without a pang at the thought of leaving Kate to the solitude of a hotel, I took my leave.

"The curricle is at the door, sir," said the footman, addressing his master, "and George orders for the

wishes to know, if you have any

saddle horses ?"

"Call Mr. Courtenay's carriage," responded Mr. Hawksley; "and tell George if it clears up, to have the horses in the park, opposite Stanhope-street gate, at five o'clock."

I gave a parting bow, and was not a little disgusted with myself, when I saw a remarkably neat well-built curricle, with a splendid pair of horses and two grooms in plain liveries, drive off to make room for an ill-shaped, lumbering glass coach, with two worn-out, attenuated animals, a seedy-looking coachman, with napless hat and soiled box-coat.

"The Honourable Mr. Courtenay coming out," shouted the footman; the butler started back with surprise at the appearance of the vehicle, the grooms winked at each other, while, as the coachman tried to coax his steed into a

trot, the words, 'scaly, very!' reached my

ears.

I was soon in the presence of my beloved Kate, who expressed her delight at my return. Vain, conceited man that I was! I attributed all to my own dear self; whereas the fact was, that the morning had been damp and foggy, a drizzling rain had set in at twelve o'clock, and had lasted until my return; the windows of the sitting room looked towards Cork-street, and as Kate had twice read over the Morning Post, and had pored over the Army List, until she had learnt by heart the names of all my brother officers, no wonder that the hours had passed tediously away; the only change to the monotony of the scene left her, was to count the number of hackney coaches and private carriages that passed through this dull street.

Although in somewhat better spirits at the prospect of raising the loan, two circumstances weighed heavily upon my mind; the first was,