May we do this terrible thing, Louise and I ?" "Assuredly not," he answered gravely, "when there is a man at hand who is so anxious to offer his escort as I." The Baroness clapped her hands.
"Do you hear, Louise ?" she exclaimed.
"I hear," Louise answered dryly.
The Baroness made a little grimace.
"You are in an impossible humour, my dear child," she declared.
"Nevertheless, I declare for the music-hall, and for the escort of your friend, Mr.Wrayson, if he really is in earnest." "I can assure you," he said, "that you would be doing me a great kindness in allowing me to offer my services." The Baroness beamed upon him amiably, and rose to her feet.
"You have come," she avowed, "in time to save me from despair.

I am not used to go about so much unescorted, and I am not so independent as Louise.

See," she added, pushing a gold purse towards him, "you shall pay our bill while we put on our cloaks.

And will you ask afterwards for my carriage, and we will meet in the portico ?" "With pleasure!" Wrayson answered, rising to his feet as they left the table.

"I will telephone for a box to the Alhambra.