that, what matter? We set those highway
travelers down, and there was an end of it. We shall never see either of
them again."

"Of course not," said Lady Catharine.

"It were impossible."

"Oh, quite impossible!"

Both the young women sighed, and both looked out of the window.

"Because," said Mary Connynge, "they are but strangers. That talk of
having letters may be but deceit. They themselves may be coiners. I have
heard it said that coiners are monstrous bold."

"To be sure, he mentioned Sir Arthur Pembroke," ventured Lady
Catharine.

"Oh! And be sure Sir Arthur Pembroke will take pains enough that no tall
young man, who offers roses to ladies on first acquaintance, shall ever
have opportunity to present himself to Lady Catharine Knollys. Nay, nay!
There will be no introduction from that source, of that be sure. Sir
Arthur is jealous as a wolf of thee already, Lady Kitty. See! He hath
followed thee about like a dog for three years. And after all, why not
reward him, Lady Kitty? Indeed, but the other day thou wert upon the
very point of giving him his answer, for thou saidst to me that he sure
had the prettiest eyes of any man in London. Pray, are Sir Arthur's eyes
blue, or gray--or what? And can you match his eyes among the color of
your flosses?"

"It might be," said Lady Catharine, musingly, "that he would some day
find means to send us word."

"Who? Sir Arthur?"

"No. The young man, Mr. Law of Lauriston."

"Yes; or he might come himself," replied Mary Connynge.

"Fie! He dare not!"

"Oh, but be not too sure. Now suppose he did come--'twill do no harm for
us to suppose so much as that. Suppose he stood there at your very
door, Lady Kitty. Then what would you do?"

"Do! Why, tell James that we were not in, and never should be, and
request the young man to leave at once."

"And never let him pass the door again."

"Certainly not! 'Twould be presumption. But then"--this with a gentle
sigh--"we need not trouble ourselves with this. I doubt not he hath
forgot us long ago, just as indeed we have forgotten him--though I would
say--. But I half believe he hit thee, girl, with his boldness and his
bow, and his fearlessness withal."

"Who, I? Why, heavens! Lady Kitty! The idea never came to my mind.
Indeed no, not for an instant. Of course, as you say, 'twas but a
passing occurrence, and 'twas all forgot. But, by the way, Lady Kitty,
go we to Sadler's Wells to-morrow morn?"

"I see no reason for not