never crossed him but that they must be of paramount interest. He rarely looked at the person to whom he was talking; his glance dwelt either on his feet, or his hands, or his snuff-box—something, in short, that was more peculiarly his own; to say nothing of occasional glances at the looking-glass opposite. He talked as if he were reading aloud, and that in the most monotonous manner.
"It is my duty, madam, to tell you," he began, in a solemn tone, "that I exceedingly disapprove of your conduct."
Henrietta's colour rose. "This is the first time I have heard of it," exclaimed she; "if you"
"Pray, madam, do not interrupt me," said Lord Marchmont; "you may be quite sure that I never make an assertion which I am not prepared to prove. I again repeat, that I exceedingly disapprove of your conduct, in which I am more surprised you should persist, as you are aware of my complete disapprobation."
"What have I done?" asked his listener.
