Sponge a
second chance. Amelia too, we are sorry to say, did not seem particularly
distressed, though she gave him just as much of a sweet look as he squeezed
her hand, as said, 'Now, if you _should_ be a man of money, and my Lord
Scamperdale does not make me my lady, you may,' &c.
There is an old saying, that it is well to be 'off with the old love before
one is on with the new,' and Amelia thought it was well to be on with the
new love before she was off with the old. Sponge, therefore, was to be in
abeyance.
We mentioned the delight infused into Jawleyford Court by the receipt of
Lord Scamperdale's letter, volunteering a visit, nor was his lordship less
gratified at hearing in reply that Mr. Sponge was on the eve of departure,
leaving the coast clear for his reception. His lordship was not only
delighted at getting rid of his horror, but at proving the superiority of
his judgement over that of Jack, who had always stoutly maintained that the
only way to get rid of Mr. Sponge was by buying his horses.
'Well, that's _good_,' said his lordship, as he read the letter; 'that's
_good_,' repeated he, with a hearty slap of his thigh.
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