I now formally make you an offer of me hand and heart.

Oh! tell me, Miss Brentwood, will ye be Mrs.Mars--I beg pardon, Countess of Covetown ?" "No, I thank you, my lord," said Alice, laughing and blushing.

"I am afraid I must decline." "I was afraid ye would," said Lord Covetown.

"I had heard that a great six-foot villain had been trifling with your affections, so I came prepared for a refusal.

Came prepared with this, Miss Brentwood, which I pray you to accept; shall I be too bold if I say, as a wedding present, from one of your most sincere admirers." He produced a jewel case, and took from it a bracelet, at the sight of which Alice gave an honest womanly cry of delight.