The license, had he chosen to embrace it, was within a few minutes all there--the license given him literally to inquire of this young lady how long she was likely to be with them.

For a matter of the mere domestic order had quickly determined, on Mrs.Assingham's part, a withdrawal, of a few moments, which had the effect of leaving her visitors free.

"Mrs.Betterman's there ?" she had said to Charlotte in allusion to some member of the household who was to have received her and seen her belongings settled; to which Charlotte had replied that she had encountered only the butler, who had been quite charming.

She had deprecated any action taken on behalf of her effects; but her hostess, rebounding from accumulated cushions, evidently saw more in Mrs.Betterman's non-appearance than could meet the casual eye.

What she saw, in short, demanded her intervention, in spite of an earnest "Let ME go!" from the girl, and a prolonged smiling wail over the trouble she was giving.