"Do they?"
"And Legge Wilson from the India Office is here already. I spoke to him in some jewelled bower as I made my way here, not five minutes since. It's quite a success. Don't you think it very nice, Lady Carbury?"
"I don't know whether you are joking or in earnest."
"I never joke. I say it is very nice. These people are spending thousands upon thousands to gratify you and me and others, and all they want in return is a little countenance."
"Do you mean to give it then?"
"I am giving it them."
"Ah;—but the countenance of the 'Evening Pulpit.' Do you mean to give them that?"
"Well; it is not in our line exactly to give a catalogue of names and to record ladies' dresses. Perhaps it may be better for our host himself that he should be kept out of the newspapers."
"Are you going to be very severe upon poor me, Mr. Alf?" said the lady after a pause.
"We are never severe upon anybody, Lady Carbury. Here's the Prince. What will they do with him now they've caught him! Oh, they're going to make him dance with the heiress. Poor heiress!"