nd I lifted our hats. The victoria and its occupants were
gone. George leant back with a sigh. After a moment, he said:

"Well, that was her."

There was expectancy in his tone.

"She has an extremely prepossessing appearance," I observed.

"There isn't," said George, "a girl in London to touch her. Sam, old
boy, I believe--I believe she likes me a bit."

"I'm sure she must, George," said I; and indeed, I thought so.

"The Governor's infernally unreasonable," said George, fretfully.

"Oh, you've mentioned it to him?"

"I sounded him. Oh, you may be sure he didn't see what I was up to. I
put it quite generally. He talked rot about getting on in the world. Who
wants to get on?"

"Who, indeed?" said I. "It is only changing what you are for something
no better."

"And about waiting till I know my own mind. Isn't it enough to look at
her?"

"Ample, in my opinion," said I.

George rose to his feet.

"They've gone to a party, they won't come round again," said he. "We may
as well go, mayn't we?"

I was very comfortable, so I said timidly:

"We might see somebody else we know."

"Oh, somebody else be hanged! Who wants to see em?"

"I'm sure I don't." said I hastily, as I rose from my armchair, which
was at once snapped up.

We were about to return to the club, when I observed Lady Mickleham's
barouche standing under the trees. I invited George to come and be
introduced.

He displayed great indifference.

"She gives a good many parties," said I; "and perhaps--"

"By Jove! Yes, I may as well," said George. "Glad you had the sense to
think of that, old man."

So I took him up to Dolly and presented him. Dolly was very gracious;
George is an evidently presentable boy. We fell into conversation.

"My cousin, Lady Mickleham," said I, "has been telling me--"

"Oh, shut up, Sam!" said George, not, however, appearing very angry.

"About a subject on which you can assist him more than I can, inasmuch
as you are married. He is in love."

Dolly glanced at George.

"Oh, what fun!" said she.

"Fun!" cried George.

"I mean, how awfully interesting," said Dolly, suddenly transforming her
expression.

"And he wanted to be introduced to you because you might ask her and him
to--"

George became red, and began to stammer an apology.

"Oh, I don't believe him," said Dolly kindly; "he always makes people
uncomfortable if he can. What were you telling him, Mr. George?"

"It's no use telling him anything.