'It is not Venus I am expecting, but Mars,' he said with a simper.

'The Honourable Mr.Dunborough, son to my Lord Dunborough, and the same whose meritorious services at the Havanna you, my dear friend, doubtless remember.

He is now cultivating in peace the gifts which in war--' 'Sufficed to keep him out of danger!' Sir George said bluntly.

'So he is your last sprig, is he?
He should be well seasoned.' 'He is four-and-twenty,' Mr.Thomasson answered, pluming himself and speaking in his softest tones.

'And the most charming, I assure you, the most debonair of men.