“But, Webber, Sir George must really be excused in this matter. He has a daughter, a most attractive, lovely daughter, just at that budding, unsuspecting age when the heart is most susceptible of impressions; and where, let me ask, could she run such a risk as in the chance of a casual meeting with the redoubted lady-killer, Master Frank Webber? If he has not sought you out, then here be his apology.”
“A very strong case, certainly,” said Frank; “but, still, had he confided his critical position to my honor and secrecy, he might have depended on me; now, having taken the other line—”
“Well, what then?”
“Why, he must abide the consequences. I’ll make fierce love to Louisa; isn’t that the name?”
“Lucy, so please you.”
“Well, be it so,—to Lucy,—talk the little girl into a most deplorable attachment for me.”
“But, how, may I ask, and when?”
“I’ll begin at the ball, man.”
“Why, I thought you said you were not going?”
“There you mistake seriously. I merely said that I had not been invited.”