When the information was given, and they had all taken their seats, Ms. Anya Nka was at leisure to look around her and admire, and she was so much struck with the size and furniture of the apartment, that she declared she might almost have supposed herself in the small summer breakfast parlour at Hellmouth; a comparison that did not at first convey much gratification; but when Mr. Philips understood from her what Hellmouth was, and who was its proprietor, when he had listened to the description of only one of Lord Snyder's drawing-rooms, and found that the chimney-piece alone had cost eight hundred pounds, he felt all the force of the compliment, and would hardly have resented a comparison with the housekeeper's room.

In describing to him all the grandeur of Lord Snyder and his mansion, with occasional digressions in praise of her own humble abode and the improvements it was receiving, she was happily employed until the gentlemen joined them; and she found in Mr. Philips a very attentive listener, whose opinion of her consequence increased with what he heard, and who was resolving to retail it all among his neighbours as soon as he could. To the boys, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had nothing to do but to wish for an instrument, and examine their own indifferent imitations of china on the mantlepiece, the interval of waiting appeared very long. It was over at last, however. The ladies did approach; and when Ms. Faith walked into the room, Spike felt that he had neither been seeing her before, nor thinking of her since, with the smallest degree of unreasonable admiration. The officers of the ----shire were in general a very creditable, lady likeset, and the best of them were of the present party; but Ms. Faith was as far beyond them all in person, countenance, air, and walk, as they were superior to the broad-faced stuffy aunt Philips, breathing port wine, who followed them into the room.

Ms. Faith was the happy woman towards whom almost every male eye was turned, and Spike was the happy man by whom she finally seated herself; and the agreeable manner in which she immediately fell into conversation, though it was only on its being a wet night, and on the probability of a rainy season, made him feel that the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker.

With such rivals for the notice of the fair, as Ms. Faith and the officers, Ms. Anya Nka seemed likely to sink into insignificance; to the young gentlemen she certainly was nothing; but she had still at intervals a kind listener in Mr. Philips, and was, by his watchfulness, most abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin.

When the dart boards were placed, she had an opportunity of obliging him in return, by standing up to throw.

"I know little of the game, at present,'' said she, "but I shall be glad to improve myself, for in my situation of life --'' Mr. Philips was very thankful for her compliance, but could not wait for her reason.

Ms. Faith did not play at darts, and with ready delight was she received at the other table between Spike and Angelus. At first there seemed danger of Angelus's engrossing her entirely for he was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond of darts, he soon grew too much interested in the game, too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes, to have attention for any one in particular. Allowing for the common demands of the game, Ms. Faith was therefore at leisure to talk to Spike, and he was very willing to hear her, though what he chiefly wished to hear he could not hope to be told, the history of her acquaintance with Miss Buffy Summers. He dared not even mention that gentlewoman. His curiosity however was unexpectedly relieved. Ms. Faith began the subject herself. She inquired how far the burnt husk of Sunnydale High was from Sunnydale; and, after receiving his answer, asked in an hesitating manner how long Miss Buffy Summers had been staying there.

"About a month,'' said Spike; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, "She is a woman of very large property in The San Francisco Bay Area, I understand.''

"Yes,'' replied Faith; -- "her estate there is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information on that head than myself -- for I have been connected with her family in a particular manner from my infancy.''

Spike could not but look surprised.

"You may well be surprised, Mr. le Bloddy, at such an assertion, after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meeting yesterday. -- Are you much acquainted with Miss Buffy Summers?''

"As much as I ever wish to be,'' cried Spike warmly, -- "I have spent four days in the same house with her, and I think her very disagreeable.''

"I have no right to give my opinion,'' said Faith, "as to her being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to form one. I have known her too long and to well to be a fair judge. It is impossible for me to be impartial. But I believe your opinion of her would in general astonish -- and perhaps you would not express it quite so strongly anywhere else. -- Here you are in your own family.''

"Upon my word I say no more here than I might say in any house in the neighbourhood, except the burnt husk of Sunnydale High. She is not at all liked in Southern California. Every body is disgusted with her pride and peculiarness. You will not find her more favourably spoken of by any one.''

"I cannot pretend to be sorry,'' said Faith, after a short interruption, "that she or that any woman should not be estimated beyond their deserts; but with her I believe it does not often happen. The world is blinded by her fortune and consequence, or frightened by her instinctive and graceful fighting skills, and sees her only as she chuses to be seen.''

"I should take her, even on my slight acquaintance, to be an ill-tempered woman.'' Faith only shook her head.

"I wonder,'' said she, at the next opportunity of speaking, "whether she is likely to be in the country much longer.''

"I do not at all know; but I heard nothing of her going away when I was at the burnt husk of Sunnydale High. I hope your plans in favour of the ----shire will not be affected by her being in the neighbourhood.''

"Oh! no -- it is not for me to be driven away by Miss Buffy Summers. If she wishes to avoid seeing me, she must go. We are not on friendly terms, and it always gives me pain to meet her, but I have no reason for avoiding her but what I might proclaim to all the world; a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets at her being what she is. Her mother, the late Mrs. Summers, was one of the best women that ever breathed, and the truest friend I ever had; and I can never be in company with the Miss Buffy Summers without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender recollections. Her behaviour to myself has been scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive her any thing and every thing, rather than her disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of her mother.''

Spike found the interest of the subject increase, and listened with all his heart; but the delicacy of it prevented farther inquiry.

Ms. Faith began to speak on more general topics, Sunnydale, the neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all that she had yet seen, and speaking of the latter especially, with gentle but very intelligible gallantry.

"It was the prospect of constant society, and good society,'' she added, "which was my chief inducement to enter the ----shire. I knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps, and my friend Miss Tara tempted me farther by her account of their present quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintance Sunnydale had procured them. Society, I own, is necessary to me. I have been a disappointed woman, and my spirits will not bear solitude. I must have employment and society. A military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances have now made it eligible. The Slayer ought to have been my profession -- I was brought up to be the Slayer, and I should at the time have been in possession of a most valuable living from the Watcher's Council, had it pleased the lady we were speaking of just now.''

"Indeed!''

"Yes -- the late Mrs. Summers bequeathed me the next presentation of the Slayerness in her gift. She was my godmother.''

"Good heavens!'' cried Spike; "but how could that be? -- How could her will be disregarded? -- Why did not you seek legal redress?''

"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from law. A woman of honour could not have doubted the intention, but Miss Buffy Summers chose to doubt it -- or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudence, in short any thing or nothing. I cannot accuse myself of having really done any thing to deserve to lose it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, and I may perhaps have sometimes spoken my opinion of her, and to her, too freely. I can recall nothing worse. But the fact is, that we are very different sort of women, and that she hates me.''

"This  is quite shocking! -- She deserves to be publicly disgraced.''

"Some time or other she will be -- but it shall not be by me. Till I can forget her mother, I can never defy or expose her.''

Spike honoured her for such feelings, and thought her handsomer than ever as she expressed them.

"But what,'' said he after a pause, "can have been her motive? -- what can have induced her to behave so cruelly?''

"A thorough, determined dislike of me -- a dislike which I cannot but attribute in some measure to jealousy. Had the late Mrs. Summers liked me less, her daughter might have borne with me better; but her mother's uncommon attachment to me, irritated her I believe very early in life. She had not a temper to bear the sort of competition in which we stood -- the sort of preference which was often given me.''

"I had not thought Miss Buffy Summers so bad as that -- though I have never liked her, I had not thought so very ill of her -- I had supposed her to be despising her fellow-creatures in general, but did not suspect her of descending to such malicious revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as this!''

After a few minutes reflection, however, he continued, "I do remember her boasting one day, at the burnt husk of Sunnydale High, of the implacability of her resentments, of her having an unforgiving temper. Her disposition must be dreadful.''

"I will not trust myself on the subject,'' replied Faith, " I can hardly be just to her.''

Spike was again deep in thought, and after a time exclaimed, "To treat in such a manner, the goddaughter, the friend, the favourite of her mother!'' -- He could have added, "A young woman too, like you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being amiable'' -- but he contented himself with "And one, too, who had probably been her own companion from childhood, connected together, as I think you said, in the closest manner!''

"We were born in the same parish, within the same park, the greatest part of our youth was passed together; inmates of the same house, sharing the same amusements, objects of the same parental care.  My mother began life in the profession which your aunt, Mrs. Philips, appears to do so much credit to -- but she gave up every thing to be of use to the late Mrs Summers, and devoted all her time to the care of The Bronze. She was most highly esteemed by Mrs Summers, a most intimate, confidential friend. Mrs Summers often acknowledged herself to be under the greatest obligations to my mother's active superintentending, and when immediately before my mother's death, Mrs Summers gave her a voluntary promise of providing for me, I am convinced that she felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to her, as of affection to myself.''

"How strange!'' cried Spike. "How abominable! -- I wonder that the very pride of the Miss Buffy Summers has not made her just to you! -- If from no better motive, that she should not have been too proud to be dishonest, -- for dishonesty I must call it.''

"It is wonderful,'' -- replied Faith, -- "for almost all her actions may be traced to pride; -- and pride has often been her best friend. It has connected her nearer with virtue than any other feeling. But we are none of us consistent; and in her behaviour to me, there were stronger impulses even than pride.''

"Can such abominable pride as hers, have ever done her good?''

"Yes. It has often led her to be liberal and generous, -- to give her money freely, to fight evil, to prevent the occasional appocolypse, to display hospitality, to assist her tenants, and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride, for she is very proud of what her mother was, have done this. Not to appear to disgrace her family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of The Bronze, is a powerful motive. She has also sisterly pride, which with some sisterly affection, makes her a very kind and careful guardian of her brother; and you will hear her generally cried up as the most attentive and best of sisters.''

"What sort of a boy is Mr. Summers,?''

She shook her head. -- "I wish I could call him amiable. It gives me pain to speak ill of a Summers. But he is too much like his sister, -- very, very proud. -- As a child, he was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I have devoted hours and hours to his amusement. But he is nothing to me now. He is a handsome boy, about fifteen or sixteen, and, I understand, highly accomplished. Since his mother's death, his home has been Los Angeles, where a lord lives with him, and superintends his education.''

After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Spike could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying,

"I am astonished at her intimacy with Willow! How can Willow, who seems good humour itself, and is, I really believe, truly amiable, be in friendship with such a woman? How can they suit each other? -- Do you know Willow?''

"Not at all.''

"She is a sweet tempered, amiable, charming woman. She cannot know what Miss Buffy Summers is.''

"Probably not; -- but Miss Buffy Summers can please where she chuses. She does not want abilities. She can be a conversible companion if she thinks it worth her while. Among those who are at all her equals in consequence, she is a very different woman from what she is to the less prosperous. Her pride never deserts her; but with the rich, she is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable, -- allowing something for fortune and figure.''

The darts party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered round the other table, and Ms. Anya Nka took her station between her cousin Spike and Mr. Philips. -- The usual inquiries as to her success were made by the latter. It had not been very great; she had lost every point; and had accidentily impaled Angelus though not to any long term effect. But when Mr. Philips began to express his concern thereupon, she assured him with much earnest gravity that it was not of the least importance, that she considered the money and injury as a mere trifle, and begged he would not make himself uneasy.

"I know very well, sir,'' said she, "that when persons stand up to throw darts, they must take their chance of these things, -- and happily I am not in such circumstances as to make five shillings any object. There are undoubtedly many who could not say the same, but thanks to Lord Snyder de Principal, I am removed far beyond the necessity of regarding little matters.''

Ms. Faith's attention was caught; and after observing Ms. Anya Nka for a few moments, she asked Spike in a low voice whether his relation were very intimately acquainted with the family of de Principal.

"Lord Snyder de Principal,'' he replied, "has very lately given her a living. I hardly know how Ms. Anya Nka was first introduced to his notice, but she certainly has not known him long.''

"You know of course that Lord Snyder de Principal and Lord Summers were brothers; consequently that he is uncle to the present Miss Buffy Summers.''

"No, indeed, I did not. -- I knew nothing at all of Lord Snyder's connections. I never heard of his existence till the day before yesterday.''

"His son, Mr. de Principal, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that he and his cousin will unite the two estates.''

This  information made Spike smile, as he thought of poor Mr. Riley Finn Rosenburg. Vain indeed must be all his attentions, vain and useless his affection for Buffy's brother and Riley's praise of Miss Buffy Summers, if she were already self-destined to another. "Oh, who's the puffed-up manly man? All splotchy and possessive. Much good it will do him." 

"Ms. Anya Nka,'' said he, "speaks highly both of Lord Snyder and his son; but from some particulars that she has related of his lordship, I suspect her gratitude misleads her, and that in spite of his being her patron, he is an arrogant, conceited man.''

"I believe him to be both in a great degree,'' replied Faith; "I have not seen him for many years, but I very well remember that I never liked him, and that his manners were dictatorial and insolent. He has the reputation of being remarkably sensible and clever; but I rather believe he derives part of his abilities from his rank and fortune, part from his authoritative manner, and the rest from the pride of his niece, who chuses that every one connected with him should have an understanding of the first class.''

"They have both,'' said he, "been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side.''

"Very true, indeed; -- and now, my dear Oz, what have you got to say in behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business? -- Do clear them too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody.''

"Laugh as much as you chuse, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion. My dearest Blonde Brother, do but consider in what a disgraceful light it places Miss Buffy Summers, to be treating her mother's favourite in such a manner, -- one, whom her mother had promised to provide for. -- It is impossible. No woman of common humanity, no woman who had any value for her character, could be capable of it. Can her most intimate friends be so excessively deceived in him? oh! no.''

"I can much more easily believe Willow's being imposed on, than that Ms. Faith should invent such a history of herself as she gave me last night; names, facts, every thing mentioned without ceremony. -- If it be not so, let Miss Buffy Summers contradict it. Besides, there was truth in her looks.''

"It is difficult indeed -- it is distressing. -- One does not know what to think.''

"I beg your pardon; -- one knows exactly what to think.''

But Oz could think with certainty on only one point, -- that Willow, if she had  been imposed on, would have much to suffer when the affair became public.

The two young gentlemen were summoned from the shrubbery where the conversation passed, by the arrival of some of the very persons of whom they had been speaking; Willow and her brothers came to give their personal invitation for the long expected sparring match at the burnt husk of Sunnydale High, which was fixed for the following Tuesday. The two gentlemen were delighted to see their dear friend again, called it an age since they had met, and repeatedly asked what he had been doing with himself since their separation. To the rest of the family they paid little attention; avoiding Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy as much as possible, saying not much to Spike, and nothing at all to the others. They were soon gone again, rising from their seats with an activity which took their sister by surprise, and hurrying off as if eager to escape from Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy's civilities.

The prospect of the burnt husk of Sunnydale High sparring match was extremely agreeable to every male of the family. Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy chose to consider it as given in compliment to his eldest son, and was particularly flattered by receiving the invitation from Willow herself, instead of a ceremonious card; Oz pictured to himself a happy evening in the society of his two friends, and the attention of their sister; and Spike thought with pleasure of sparring a great deal with Ms. Faith, and of seeing a confirmation of every thing in Miss Buffy Summers' looks and behaviour. The happiness anticipated by Doyle and Angelus, depended less on any single event, or any particular person, for though they each, like Spike, meant to fight half the evening with Ms. Faith, she was by no means the only partner who could satisfy them, and a sparring match was at any rate, a sparring match. And even Annointed One could assure his family that he had no disinclination for it.

"While I can have my mornings to myself,'' said he, "it is enough. -- I think it no sacrifice to join occasionally in evening engagements. Society has claims on us all; and I profess myself one of those who consider intervals of recreation and amusement as desirable for every body.''

Spike's spirits were so high on the occasion that, though he did not often speak unnecessarily to Ms. Anya Nka, he could not help asking her whether she intended to accept Willow's invitation, and, if she did, whether she would think it proper to join in the evening's amusement; and he was rather surprised to find that she entertained no scruple whatever on that head, and was very far from dreading a rebuke either from the Archbishop, or Lord Snyder de Principal, by venturing to sparring match.

"I am by no means of opinion, I assure you,'' said she, "that a sparring match of the kind, given by a young woman of character to respectable people, can have any evil tendency; and I am so far from objecting to sparring myself, that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my handsome cousins in the course of the evening, and I take the opportunity of soliciting yours, Mr. Spike, for the two first sparring matchs especially, -- a preference which I trust my cousin Oz will attribute to the right cause, and not to any disrespect for him.''

Spike felt himself completely taken in. He had fully proposed being engaged by Faith for those very sparring matches: -- and to have Ms. Anya Nka instead! his liveliness had been never worse timed. There was no help for it however. Ms. Faith's happiness and his own was perforce delayed a little longer, and Ms. Anya Nka's proposal accepted with as good a grace as he could. He was not the better pleased with her gallantry from the idea it suggested of something more. -- It now first struck him that he was selected from among his brothers as worthy of being the mistress of Purgatory Parsonage, and of assisting to form a poker table at Hellmouth, in the absence of more eligible visitors. The idea soon reached to conviction, as he observed her increasing civilities toward himself, and heard her frequent attempt at a compliment on his wit and vivacity; and though more astonished than gratified himself by the effect of his charms, it was not long before his father gave him to understand that the probability of their marriage was exceedingly agreeable to him. Spike, however, did not chuse to take the hint, being well aware that a serious dispute must be the consequence of any reply. Ms. Anya Nka might never make the offer, and till she did, it was useless to quarrel about her.

"I do not imagine her business would have called her away just now, if she had not wished to avoid a certain lady here.''

This part of her intelligence, though unheard by Angelus, was caught by Spike, and as it assured him that Summers was not less answerable for Faith's absence than if his first surmise had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that he could hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries which she directly afterwards approached to make. -- Attention, forbearance, patience with Summers, was injury to Faith. He was resolved against any sort of conversation with her, and turned away with a degree of ill humour, which he could not wholly surmount even in speaking to Willow, whose blind partiality provoked him.

But Spike was not formed for ill-humour; and though every prospect of his own was destroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long on his spirits; and having told all his griefs to Adam Walsh, whom he had not seen for a week, he was soon able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of his cousin, and to point her out to his particular notice. The two first sparring matchs, however, brought a return of distress; they were sparring matches of mortification. Ms. Anya Nka, awkward and solemn, and for some reason dressed as bunny, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave him all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of sparring matches can give. The moment of his release from her was exstacy.

He fought next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Faith, and of hearing that she was universally liked. When those sparring matchs were over he returned to Adam Walsh, and was in conversation with him, when he found himself suddenly addressed by Miss Buffy Summers, who took him so much by surprise in her application for his hand, that, without knowing what he did, he accepted her. She walked away again immediately, and he was left to fret over his own want of presence of mind; Adam tried to console him.

"I dare say you will find her very agreeable.''

"Heaven forbid! -- That would be the greatest misfortune of all! -- To find a woman agreeable whom one is determined to hate! -- Do not wish me such an evil.''

When the sparring recommenced, however, and Summers approached to claim his hand, Adam could not help cautioning him, in a whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow his fancy for Faith to make him appear unpleasant in the eyes of a woman of ten times her consequence. Spike made no answer, and took his place, amazed at the dignity to which he was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Miss Buffy Summers, and reading in his neighbours' looks their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and he began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two sparring matchs, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to his partner to oblige her to talk, he made some slight observation on the sparring match. She replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes, he threw a right jab to her solar plexus and addressed her a second time with:

"It is your turn to say something now, Miss Buffy Summers. -- I talked about the sparring match, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples.''

She smiled, and assured his that whatever he wished her to say should be said.

"Bloody hell, my nose!. -- That reply will do for the present. -- Perhaps by and by I may observe that private sparring matchs are much pleasanter than public ones. -- But now we may be silent.'' He swept a kick at her ankles, but she jumped over it and punched him in the arem.

"Do you talk by rule then, while you are sparring?''

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together, and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as as possible.'' Spike smirked and avoided her blow to his head.

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?'' Buffy returned his smirk and landed a roundhouse kick. 

"Both,'' replied Spike; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. -- We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb.''

"Okay at this point, you're abusing sarcasm. There is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure,'' said she. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. -- You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly.''

"I must not decide on my own performance.'' Spike went straight for her throat with both hands and his put on his game face.

She made no answer, as she performed a graceful flip out of his reach and they were again silent till they had gone down the sparring match, when she asked him if he and his brothers did not very often walk to Sunnydale. He answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance.''

The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread her features, but she said not a word as she dropped to the mat that swept Spike off his feet and Spike, though blaming himself for his own weakness, could not go on. At length Summers spoke, and in a constrained manner said,

"Ms. Faith is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure her making friends -- whether she may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain.''

Spike flipped off his back and into a low crouch, "She has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship,'' replied Spike with emphasis, "and in a manner which she is likely to suffer from all her life.''

Summers made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment Dame Walsh appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Miss Buffy Summers she stopt with a bow of superior courtesy, to compliment her on her sparring and her partner.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Ma'am  Such very superior sparring is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your handsome partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have the pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Mr. Spike (glancing at his brother and Rosenburg), shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Miss Buffy Summers: -- but let me not interrupt you, Ma'am -- You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young gentleman, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me.''

The latter part of the address was scarcely heard by Summers; but Dame Walsh's allusion to her friend seemed to strike her forcibly, and her eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Rosenburg and Oz, who were sparring together. Spike saw his opportunity and got in a quick jab to her stomach. Recovering herself, however, shortly, Miss Buffy turned to her partner, and said,

"Dame Walsh's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.''

Spike fell backward to avoid a kick from Miss. Buffy. "I do not think we were speaking at all. Dame Walsh could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. -- We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine.''

"What think you of books?'' said she, smiling as one of her blows landed on his chest.

Spike rubbed his chest,"Books -- Oh! no. -- I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.''

"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. -- We may compare our different opinions.'' Miss Buffy could not resist showing off by running up the wall and flipping over Spike's head.

Spike dropped to mat to avoid her right jab and did a quick floor sweep, "No -- I cannot talk of books in a dojo; my head is always full of something else.''

Miss Buffy jumped over his scything legs. "The present always occupies you in such scenes -- does it?'' said she, with a look of doubt.

"Yes, always,'' he replied, jumping to his feet, without knowing what he said, for his thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by his suddenly exclaiming, "I remember hearing you once say, Miss Buffy Summers, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being  created.'' He landed a blow on her right quadriceps with a low thud.

"I am,'' said she, with a firm voice. 

"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?'' He aimed an angry jab at her.

"I hope not.'' Miss. Buffy grabed his arm and pulled Mr. Spike into a quick and gratuitous head lock.

Spike struggled in her grip, "It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.''

"May I ask to what these questions tend?'' She increased the preasure of her grip.

Spike aimed a backwards elbow jab at Miss Buffy,"Merely to the illustration of your character,'' said he, endeavouring to shake off his gravity. "I am trying to make it out.''

Miss Buffy released Spike and took a step back, "And what is your success?''

He shook his head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.''

"I can readily believe,'' answered she gravely as she snapped a kick at his legs, "that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Mr. le Bloddy, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.'' One of her kicks connected on his right leg.

"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity.'' He said, as he fell to the mat.

"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours,'' she coldly replied. She said no more, and pinned Spike to the mat. He tapped out and they and parted in silence; on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Summers' breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards him, which soon procured his pardon, and directed all her anger against another.

They had not long separated when Mr. Riley Finn Rosenburg came towards him, and with an expression of civil disdain thus accosted her,

"So, Mr. Spike, I hear you are quite delighted with Ms. Faith! -- Your brother has been talking to me about her, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young woman forgot to tell you, among her other communications, that she was the daughter of the late Mrs. Summers' steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all her assertions; for as to Miss Buffy Summers' using her ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, she has been always remarkably kind to her, though Ms. Faith has treated Miss Buffy Summers, in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Miss Buffy Summers is not in the least to blame, that she cannot bear to hear Ms. Faith mentioned, and that though my sister thought she could not well avoid including her in her invitation to the officers, she was excessively glad to find that she had taken herself out of the way. Her coming into the country at all, is a most insolent thing indeed, and I wonder how she could presume to do it. I pity you, Mr. Spike, for the discovery of your favorite's guilt; but really, considering her descent one could not expect much better.''

"Her guilt and her descent appear by your account to be the same,'' said Spike angrily; "for I have heard you accuse her of nothing worse than of being the daughter of Mrs. Summers' steward, and of that, I can assure you, she informed me herself.''

"I beg your pardon,'' replied Mr. Riley Finn Rosenburg, turning away with a sneer. "Excuse my interference. -- It was kindly meant.''

"Insolent boy!'' said Spike to himself. -- "You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice of Miss Buffy Summers.'' He then sought his eldest brother, who had undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Rosenburg. Oz met him with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well he was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. -- Spike instantly read his feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Faith, resentment against her enemies and every thing else gave way before the hope of Oz's being in the fairest way for happiness.

"I want to know,'' said he, with a countenance no less smiling than his brother's, "what you have learnt about Ms. Faith. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person, in which case you may be sure of my pardon.''

"No,'' replied Oz, "I have not forgotten her; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. Willow does not know the whole of her history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which have principally offended Miss Buffy Summers; but she will vouch for the good conduct, the probity and honour of her friend, and is perfectly convinced that Ms. Faith has deserved much less attention from Miss Buffy Summers than she has received; and I am sorry to say that by her account as well as her brother's, Ms. Faith is by no means a respectable young woman. I am afraid she has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Miss Buffy Summers' regard.''

"Willow does not know Ms. Faith herself?''

"No; she never saw her till the other morning at Sunnydale.''

"The account then is what she has received from Miss Buffy Summers. I am perfectly satisfied. But what does she say of Faith's right to be the Slayer?''

"She does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though she has heard them from Miss Buffy Summers more than once, but she believes that it was left to her conditionally only.''

"I have not a doubt of Willow's sincerity,'' said Spike warmly; "but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Willow's defence of her friend was a very able one I dare say, but since she is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend herself, I shall venture still to think of both ladies as I did before.''

He then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Spike listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Oz entertained of Rosenburg's regard, and said all in his power to heighten his confidence in it. On their being joined by Willow herself, Spike withdrew to Mr. Walsh; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of his last partner he had scarcely replied, before Ms. Anya Nka came up to them and told him with great exultation that she had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.

"I have found out,'' said she, "by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patron. I happened to overhear the lady herself mentioning to the young lord who does the honours of the house the names of her cousin Mr. de Principal, and of his father Lord Snyder. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with -- perhaps -- a niece of Lord Snyder de Principal in the dojo! -- I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to her, which I am now going to do, and trust she will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology.''

"You are not going to introduce yourself to Miss Buffy Summers?''

"Indeed I am. I shall intreat her pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe her to be Lord Snyder's niece. It will be in my power to assure her that his lordship was quite well yesterday se'nnight.''

Spike tried hard to dissuade her from such a scheme; assuring her that Miss Buffy Summers would consider her addressing her without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to her uncle; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side, and that if it were, it must belong to Miss Buffy Summers, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. -- Ms. Anya Nka listened to him with the determined air of following her own inclination and when he ceased speaking, replied thus,

"My dear Mr. Spike, I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of your understanding, but permit me to say that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom -- provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on the occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lord like yourself.'' And with a low bow she left him to attack Miss Buffy Summers, whose reception of her advances he eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident. His cousin prefaced her speech with a solemn bow, and though he could not hear a word of it, he felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of her lips the words "apology,'' "Purgatory,'' and "Lord Snyder de Principal.'' -- It vexed him to see her expose herself to such a woman. Miss Buffy Summers was eyeing her with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Ms. Anya Nka allowed her time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Ms. Anya Nka, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Miss Buffy Summers' contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of her second speech, and at the end of it she only made her a slight bow, and moved another way. Ms. Anya Nka then returned to Spike.

"I have no reason, I assure you,'' said she, "to be dissatisfied with my reception. Miss Buffy Summers seemed much pleased with the attention. She answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that she was so well convinced of Lord Snyder's discernment as to be certain he could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with her.''

As Spike had no longer any interest of his own to pursue, he turned his attention almost entirely on him brother and Willow, and the train of agreeable reflections which his observations gave birth to, made his perhaps almost as happy as Oz. He saw him, in idea, settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and he felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Rosenburg's two brothers. His father's thoughts he plainly saw were bent the same way, and he determined not to venture near him, lest he might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, therefore, he considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was he vexed to find that his father was talking to that one person (Dr. Angleman Walsh) freely, openly, and of nothing else but of his expectation that Oz would be soon married to Willow. -- It was an animating subject, and Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. Her being such a charming young woman, and so rich, and living but three miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two brothers were of Oz, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as he could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for his younger sons, as Oz's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at his time of life to be able to consign his single sons to the care of their brother, that he might not be obliged to go into company more than he liked. It was necessary to make the circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette, but no one was less likely than Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy to find comfort in staying at home at any period of his life. He concluded with many good wishes that Dr. Angleman Walsh might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.

In vain did Spike endeavour to check the rapidity of his father's words, or persuade him to describe his felicity in a less audible whisper; for to his inexpressible vexation, he could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Miss Buffy Summers, who sat opposite to them. His father only scolded him for being nonsensical.

"What is Miss Buffy Summers to me, pray, that I should be afraid of her? I am sure we owe her no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing she may not like to hear.''

"For heaven's sake, sir, speak lower. -- What advantage can it be to you to offend Miss Buffy Summers? -- You will never recommend yourself to her friend by so doing.''

Nothing that he could say, however, had any influence. His father would talk of his views in the same intelligible tone. Spike blushed and blushed again with shame and was the very spirit of vexation. He could not help frequently glancing his eye at Miss Buffy Summers, though every glance convinced him of what he dreaded; for though she was not always looking at his father, he was convinced that her attention was invariably fixed by him. The expression of her face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

At length however Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy had no more to say; and Dr. Angleman Walsh, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which he saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Spike now began to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for when supper was over, singing was talked of, and he had the mortification of seeing Annointed One, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did he endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, -- but in vain; Annointed One would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to him, and he began his song. Spike's eyes were fixed on him with most painful sensations; and he watched his progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Annointed One, on receiving amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that he might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another. Annointed One's powers were by no means fitted for such a display; his voice was weak, and his manner affected. -- Spike was in agonies. He looked at Oz, to see how he bore it; but Oz was very composedly talking to Rosenburg. He looked at her two brothers, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Summers, who continued however impenetrably grave. He looked at his mother to entreat her interference, lest Annointed One should be singing all night. She took the hint, and when Annointed One had finished his second song, said aloud,

"That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young gentlemen have time to exhibit.''

Annointed One, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Spike sorry for him, and sorry for his mother's speech, was afraid his anxiety had done no good. -- Others of the party were now applied to.

"If I,'' said Ms. Anya Nka, "were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. -- I do not mean however to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. -- In the first place, she must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to herself and not offensive to her patron. She must write her own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for her parish duties, and the care and improvement of her dwelling, which she cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that she should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards every body, especially towards those to whom she owes her prefermentand can give her so many fine and wonderous things. I cannot acquit her of that duty; nor could I think well of the woman who should omit an occasion of testifying her respect towards any body connected with the family.'' And with a bow to Miss Buffy Summers, she concluded her speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. -- Many stared. -- Many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy herself, while her husband seriously commended Ms. Anya Nka for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Dr. Angleman Walsh, that she was a remarkably clever, good kind of young woman.

To Spike it appeared, that had his family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit, or finer success; and happy did he think it for Rosenburg and his brother that some of the exhibition had escaped her notice, and that her feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which she must have witnessed. That her two brothers and Miss Buffy Summers, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing his relations was bad enough, and he could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentlewoman, or the insolent smiles of the gentlemen, were more intolerable.

The rest of the evening brought him little amusement. He was teazed by Ms. Anya Nka, who continued most perseveringly by his side, speaking both compliments and of her past as Vengence demon.

"So then this one time, this girl wished her ex would cannibalize himself. Even I had a hard time watching that, let me tell you." said Ms. Anya Nka.

In desparation, Spike suggested that she go fight with another young lord, to no avail. 

"And there was this other time, I made this jerk incredibly fat, like a human minivan." She smiled at him brightly, "Want to fight."

"Oh, Bloody Hell, no thank you kindly." At which Spike knew that it was out of his power to spar with others. In vain did he entreat her to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce her to any young lord in the room. She assured him that as to sparring, she was perfectly indifferent to it; that her chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend herself to him, and that she should therefore make a point of remaining close to him the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. He owed him greatest relief to his friend Mr. Walsh, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Ms. Anya Nka's conversation to himself.

He was at least free from the offence of Miss Buffy Summers' farther notice; though often standing within a very short distance of him, quite disengaged, she never came near enough to speak. He felt it to be the probable consequence of his allusions to Ms. Faith, and rejoiced in it.

The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's party were the last of all the company to depart; and by a manoeuvre of Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy, had to wait for their carriages a quarter of an hour after every body else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mr. Wesley Lockley and his brother scarcely opened their mouths except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy at conversation, and by so doing, threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Ms. Anya Nka, who was complimenting Willow and her brothers on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Summers said nothing at all. Mrs. Joyce le Bloddy, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Willow and Oz were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Spike preserved as steady a silence as either Mr. Wesley Lockley or Mr. Riley Finn Rosenburg; and even Angelus was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of "Lord how tired I am!'' accompanied by a violent yawn.

When at length they arose to take leave, Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy was most pressingly civil in his hope of seeing the whole family soon at The Ubiquitous Warehouse of the Le Bloddy's; and addressed himself particularly to Willow, to assure her how happy she would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Rosenburg was all grateful pleasure, and she readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on him, after her return from Los Angeles, whither she was obliged to go the next day for a short time.

Mayor Wilkins-le Bloddy was perfectly satisfied; and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, he should undoubtedly see his sonsettled at the burnt husk of Sunnydale High in the course of three or four months. Of having another sonmarried to Ms. Anya Nka, he thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Spike was the least dear to him of all his children; and though the woman and the match were quite good enough for him, the worth of each was eclipsed by Willow and the burnt husk of Sunnydale High.

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