The things we do!

, was too ill
to act as Higg's sponsor before majesty; but Barnes Newcome was
uncommonly civil to the two Lancashire gentlemen; though their politics
were different to his, and Sam had voted against Sir Brian at his last
election. Barnes took them to dine at a club--recommended his tailor--and
sent Lady Clara Pulleyn to call on Mrs. Higg--who pronounced her to be a
pretty young woman and most haffable. The Countess of Dorking would have
been delighted to present these ladies had the Princess not luckily been
in London to do that office. The Hobson Newcomes were very civil to the
Lancashire party, and entertained them splendidly at dinner. I believe
Mrs. and Mr. Hobson themselves went to court this year, the latter in a
deputy-lieutenant's uniform.
If Barnes Newcome was so very civil to the Higg family we may suppose he
had good reason. The Higgs were very strong in Newcome, and it was
advisable to conciliate them. They were very rich, and their account
would not be disagreeable at the bank.


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