"Especially in pleading the love of an imaginary sister," said Vaura; "our men would have suggested making love to the lips that were by."
"All I have to say is," said Mrs. Haughton, suppressing a yawn, "that the way the Duke went a wooing would never have suited me; I like a man with a spice of boldness in his love-making; a sort of stand and deliver fellow."
"Who would not take no," said the Colonel.
"Yes, not like the poor victimised Quakeress we hear of; a man looked her way for seven years, then said grace before he took the first kiss."
"What an abstainer," laughed her husband; "as for the lazy Duke, he should have stormed the castle and ran off with Viola."
"After which, I should have wished him a good night's rest; as I do all and each of you," said Lady Esmondet, rising, and moving towards the door.
"Not a bad idea," echoed the Colonel, "as we leave for Surrey in the morning, that is, if you can manage the early, Kate?"
"Yes, though rising early is a relic of serfdom, still it is better than vegetating here all day."
"Thank you;" turning wistfully to Vaura, he continues—
"I am really sorry you are not going with us, dear; but, promise me, Alice, that you will both be with us for the ball and Christmas festivities?"