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THE HORRID MYSTERIES.
113

dow, "How long will you let your carriage wait at the door?"

"My carriage at the door! I don't comprehend you. Have you ordered it?"

"Yes, I have; and it is your state-carriage. Have you entirely forgot, that I am the king of the feast which we are to have, and that the Minister of H****** and the ****sh Ambassador will be of the party?"

"Pray tell me, dear Count," I replied, "whether I am dreaming? for I assure you, I know not a syllable of it." (I really had almost entirely forgot it.)

"Have I ever seen the like?" he replied, turning round. "All the world has been solemnly invited last night. I come to fetch you, and you are not dressed. These are fine doings, indeed! I am sure the card-tables will be occupied before you are ready, and you may easily conclude that I shall play to-night?"

All my fine plans vanished in that moment: I saw nothing but the gay company, dancing, playing and laughing.

"Well,