"That is what you already are!" said the minister, with an air of great gallantry.
"To be frank," continued Lady Marchmont, having first appropriated the compliment with a very sweet smile, "we do come to ask a favour!"
"Now, the Lord have mercy upon me!" exclaimed Sir Robert, sinking back in his chair; "there is nothing in the world so unreasonable as a pretty woman. Well, let me hear what outrageous proposition is about to come from two at once!" and he half hummed through his teeth the air then in its zenith of popularity:—
"How happy could I be with either,
Were t'other dear charmer away!"
"Nay," said Lady Marchmont, "we trust that our petition will not be so very outrageous, either. But, will you allow me to introduce my companion, Miss Churchill?"
Sir Robert's brow darkened at once; but there was something in Ethel's pale and subdued loveliness, which softened him; for he
