"It's a funny house," said the Duchess at last.
"She makes me such a scene over my not bringing Aggie, and still more over my very faint hint of my reasons for it, that I fly off, in compunction, to do what I can, on the spot, to repair my excess of prudence.

I reappear, panting, with my niece--and it's to THIS company I introduce her!" Her companion looked at the charming child, to whom Lord Petherton was talking with evident kindness and gaiety--a conjunction that evidently excited Mitchy's interest.

"May WE then know her ?" he asked with an effect of drollery.

"May I--if HE may ?" The Duchess's eyes, turned to him, had taken another light.

He even gaped a little at their expression, which was in a manner carried out by her tone.