I should like to speak seriously to you for a moment or two." "About the Maccabees, eh ?" enquired the countess, laughing.
"No.

About myself.

I am quite serious when I say I have had losses.
Your ladyship need not know how.

But for all that I know what a gentleman ought to do after such a revelation as that with which the countess has just honoured me and which I accept as a most flattering mark of confidence." "Impossible." "What I say is never impossible; but what that student fellow has chosen to palm off on your ladyship that _is_ impossible.

He will not be able to help your ladyship without a great scandal.