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Dolly was called upon to sign a couple of documents, and Sir Felix to sign one, and then they were assured that the thing was done. Mr Adolphus Longestaffe had paid Sir Felix Carbury a thousand pounds, and Sir Felix Carbury's commission had been accepted by Mr Melmotte for the purchase of railway stock to that amount. Sir Felix attempted to say a word.
Now for a row. Then Mr Longestaffe entered the room. 'My dear, said Lady Pomona, 'here's Adolphus come to see us. The father nodded his head at his son but said nothing. 'We want him to stay and dine, but he's engaged. 'Though he doesn't know where, said Sophia. 'My fellow knows; he keeps a book. I've got a letter, sir, ever so long, from those fellows in Lincoln's Inn.
Miss Longestaffe was a girl possessing considerable discrimination, and was able to weigh her own possessions in just scales. She had begun life with very high aspirations, believing in her own beauty, in her mother's fashion, and her father's fortune. She had now been ten years at the work, and was aware that she had always flown a little too high for her mark at the time.
Mr Brehgert had twice proposed that he should, in the usual way, go to Mr Longestaffe, who had been backwards and forwards in London, and was there at the present moment. Of course it was proper that Mr Brehgert should see her father, but, as she had told him, she preferred that he should postpone his visit for a day or two. She was now agonized by many doubts.
If Mr Longestaffe could spare it, Mr Melmotte would take the key of one of the tables. The matter was arranged very pleasantly. Mr Melmotte on entering the room bolted the door, and then, sitting at his own table, took certain papers out of the drawers, a bundle of letters and another of small documents.
Melmotte's success, and Melmotte's wealth, and Melmotte's antecedents were much discussed down in Suffolk at this time. He had been seen there in the flesh, and there is no believing like that which comes from sight. He had been staying at Caversham, and many in those parts knew that Miss Longestaffe was now living in his house in London.
They had a house in town, a house of their own, and lived altogether as magnates. The lady was Lady Pomona Longestaffe. The daughters, who certainly were handsome, had been destined to marry peers. The only son, Dolly, had, or had had, a fortune of his own. They were an oppressive people in a country neighbourhood.
Miss Longestaffe had the disposal of two evening tickets for Madame Melmotte's grand reception; and so greatly had the Melmottes risen in general appreciation that Lady Monogram had found that she was bound, on behalf of her own position in society, to be present on that occasion. It would not do that her name should not be in the printed list of the guests.
The Beauclerks and the Luptons disliked and feared him as much as ever, but they did not quite dare to be so loud and confident in condemnation as they had been. It was pretty well known that Mr Longestaffe had not received his money, and that was a condition of things tending greatly to shake the credit of a man living after Melmotte's fashion. But there was no crime in that.
On each of these days, three or four times daily, hints were given and questions were asked, but without avail. Mr Longestaffe would not consent to have a day fixed till he had received some particular letter, and would not even listen to the suggestion of a day. 'I suppose we can go at any rate on Tuesday, Georgiana said on the Friday evening.
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