She then turned to the piano calmly, observing, "You have probably eaten something that disagrees with you." "What a shame!" said Marian.

"Come, Duke: I have plenty of good news for you.

Nelly and I are invited to Carbury Park for the autumn; and there will be no visitors but us three.

We shall have the whole place to ourselves." "Time enough to think of the autumn yet awhile," said Marmaduke, gloomily.
"Well," said Miss McQuinch, "here is some better news for you.
Constance--_Lady_ Constance--will be in town next week." Marmaduke muttered something.
"I beg your pardon ?" said Elinor, quickly.
"I didnt say anything." "I may be wrong; but I thought I heard you say 'Hang Lady Constance!'." "Oh, Marmaduke!" cried Marian, affectedly.

"How dare you speak so of your betrothed, sir ?" "Who says she is my betrothed ?" he said, turning on her angrily.
"Why, everybody.