'I stayed two hours—or two minutes. I forget which'; and I added, nodding my head at Lady Mickleham, 'there was something irresistible about me last night.'
Lady Mickleham laughed.
'You seem very pleased with yourself,' she said, reaching for a fan to replace the handkerchief.
'Yes, take care of your complexion,' said I approvingly. 'She has a lovely complexion.'
Lady Mickleham laid down the fan.
'I am very pleased with myself,' I continued. She was delighted with me.'
'I suppose you talked nonsense to her.'
'I have not the least idea what I talked to her. It was quite immaterial. The language of the eyes'
'Oh, you might be a boy!'
'I was,' said I, nodding again.
There was a long silence. Dolly looked at me; I looked at the fire. I did not, however, see the fire. I saw something quite different.
'She liked me very much,' I observed, stretching my hands out towards the blaze.
'You absurd old man!' said Dolly. 'Was she very charming?'
'She was perfect.'
'How? Clever?'
I waved my hand impatiently.
'Pretty, Mr. Carter?'
'Why, of course; the prettiest creature I ever But that goes without saying.'
