It was the crowning addition indispensable to the full enjoyment of both mother and daughter, to bear Mr. Sampson, a grateful captive, into the glittering halls he had mentioned, and to parade him through the same, at once a living witness of their glory, and a bright instance of their condescension. Ascending the staircase, Miss Lavinia permitted him to walk at her side, with the air of saying: “Notwithstanding all these surroundings, I am yours as yet, George. How long it may last is another question, but I am yours as yet.” She also benignantly intimated to him, aloud, the nature of the objects upon which he looked, and to which he was unaccustomed: as, “Exotics, George,” “An aviary, George,” “An ormolu clock, George,” and the like. While, through the whole of the decorations, Mrs. Wilfer led the way with the bearing of a savage chief, who would feel himself compromised by manifesting the slightest token of surprise or admiration.