'"Why, Beatrice, how you run on! You have not got to any gallant at all, except the Lord Chamberlain."
'"Had I not? Well, listen then. As we got out of our coach at St. James's Gate, I dropped my kerchief. I turned back to look for it, and so was one minute behind the others. The Lord Chamberlain was so busy protecting the ladies through the crowd that he never missed me, and by the time I had found what I wanted, they were quite out of sight. I was beginning to get frightened, when, by good luck, a strange gentleman came forward, and offered very politely to escort me to my friends. Of course I was very thankful to him for his courtesy (for I am sure I could never have faced the rabble by myself), and we found the rest again before we had gone many steps. But this was not all. Lady Derby rebuked me so roundly for loitering and speaking to a stranger, that I did not dare tell her what happened afterwards. We met some gentlemen of our acquaintance in the fair, and while the others were talking to them, I said I would go and choose a fairing for you. I was looking at these same shoe-buckles, when up came the strange gentleman again, bowed very low, and, addressing me by my name, asked whether I would pardon his rudeness in speaking to me, and do him the great favour of pointing out which among my friends was Mistress Frances Dalrymple. We all had our black vizards on, you know; so how he found out who I was passes my comprehension. He seemed sorely disappointed when I told him you were not there; and as he had been so civil, I could not help saying that you were a great friend of mine, and that I would, if he pleased, bear you any message he chose to send."
'"Oh, Beatrice, how could you be so giddy?" I began reproachfully, but she interrupted me.
'"Nay, do but hear me out, and you shall scold me as much as you like afterwards. He told me that he knew your brother very well; that he had seen him lately, and had tidings from him which could only be delivered to your private ear."
'"From Oliver! Who can it be?" I said wonderingly, becoming much interested, though still rather doubtful. "But pray, if he wants to see me, why cannot he go to my father in a straightforward way, and ask for a proper introduction?"
'"He said it was impossible," replied Beatrice; "that there were reasons which he was sure you would approve which made secrecy absolutely necessary; that he had a token from your brother which would prove to you at once that he was speaking the truth. And so—in fact, he looked so pitiful, that—that—
"Well?" I said impatiently.
'"Well," she continued, "I arranged that he should have a private interview with you here in the Palace."
'"With me! without asking my consent first! Really, Beatrice, this is too much. Your thoughtlessness passes belief. How could you promise such a thing to a total stranger? Why, I do not even know the man's name!"
'"He said his name was Carroll, I think," replied Lady Beatrice demurely, but looking nevertheless mischievously delighted at my vexation; "and as to being a perfect stranger, why, he was as anxious to see you as if he had known you all his life."