, flushing.

"True, dear Bet, very true--a mark of distinction as you say, though it
quite spoils his grace of carriage. Still, despite his limp, the Major
hath admirable limbs--a leetle robust and ultra-developed perhaps,
child, doubtless due to his marching and counter-marching, whatever
that may be. None the less, though I grant you his leg, Bet--he limps!
Now Mr. Dalroyd, on the other hand----"

"Leg, aunt!"

"Lud, child----!"

"His leg, dear aunt, keep to his leg!"

"Gracious me, miss--what under heaven----"

"Legs, aunt, legs!"

"Mercy on us, Betty, what of his legs?"

"They are bearing him hither at this moment, dear aunt."

"O Gemini!" wailed the Lady Belinda, starting up from her cushions.
"Heaven's mercy, Bet, how can you! And me in this gown--behold me--so
faded and woebegone----"

"Nay, dear aunt, a little rouge----"

"I meant my garments, miss--look at 'em! And my hair! Ring the
bell--call the maids! I vow I shall swoon an' he catch me so----"

"Nay, aunt, you do look very well and Sir Benjamin----"

"He too!" shrieked Lady Belinda, "I faint! I'm all of a twitter--I----

"And Lord Alvaston, aunt, and the Marquis, and Mr. Marchdale, and Major
d'Arcy----" but Lady Belinda had fled, twittering.

Left alone, Betty grew restless, crossed to the open lattice and
frowned at the flowers on the terrace, crossed to her harp in the
corner and struck a discord with petulant fingers, took up her aunt's
discarded book, frowned at that, dropped it; finally she sat down and
propping white chin on white fist, stared down at her own pretty foot.

"I wonder if you'll come?" she murmured. "Major John, O John, you
cruel Jack, I wonder if--all night long--you lay wakeful, too? I
wonder---ah, I wonder if----"

A tapping at the door and, starting up, she stood bright-eyed, rosy
lips apart, all shy expectancy from head to foot then, sighing, sank
gracefully upon the day-bed and took up her aunt's discarded book as
the door opened and the large menial announced:

"Mr. Dalroyd!"

My lady rose majestically and never had she greeted Mr. Dalroyd with
such a radiant smile.

"You are come betimes, sir!" she said gently as he bowed to kiss her
hand.

"Is that so great matter for wonder?" he enquired, his ardent gaze
drinking in her loveliness. "You know full well, sweet Lady Coquetry,
'tis ever my joy and constant aim to--be alone with you, to touch this
white hand, to kiss----"

"Fie, sir!" she sigh