But to-morrow will do.' 'And do oblige me in a little matter now, Elfride,' said Lord Luxellian warmly, and looking as if he were sorry he had brought news that disturbed her.

'I am in reality sent here as a special messenger by my little Polly and Katie to ask you to come into our carriage with them for a short time.

I am just going to walk across into Piccadilly, and my wife is left alone with them.

I am afraid they are rather spoilt children; but I have half promised them you shall come.' The steps were let down, and Elfride was transferred--to the intense delight of the little girls, and to the mild interest of loungers with red skins and long necks, who cursorily eyed the performance with their walking-sticks to their lips, occasionally laughing from far down their throats and with their eyes, their mouths not being concerned in the operation at all.

Lord Luxellian then told the coachman to drive on, lifted his hat, smiled a smile that missed its mark and alighted on a total stranger, who bowed in bewilderment.