“In a stationer’s shop in Pall Mall, where I had business. Two ladies were waiting for their carriage, and one of them was giving the other an account of the intended match, in a voice so little attempting concealment, that it was impossible for me not to hear all. The name of Willoughby, John Willoughby, frequently repeated, first caught my attention; and what followed was a positive assertion that everything was now finally settled respecting his marriage with Miss Grey⁠—it was no longer to be a secret⁠—it would take place even within a few weeks, with many particulars of preparations and other matters. One thing, especially, I remember, because it served to identify the man still more:⁠—as soon as the ceremony was over, they were to go to Combe Magna, his seat in Somersetshire. My astonishment!⁠—but it would be impossible to describe what I felt. The communicative lady I learnt, on inquiry⁠—for I stayed in the shop till they were gone⁠—was a Mrs. Ellison, and that, as I have been since informed, is the name of Miss Grey’s guardian.”