"How much of this sort of thing?" he asked, dryly.
"Ten storeys," Brooks answered, and passed out into the street.
Lord Arranmore looked after him—watched him until he was out of sight.
Then he stood irresolute for several moments, tapping his boots.
"Damned young fool!" he muttered at last; and began the ascent.
CHAPTER IV
A MARQUIS ON MATRIMONY
"My dear Miss Scott," Lord Arranmore said, settling himself in the most comfortable of her fragile easy-chairs, and declining tea. "I cannot fail to perceive that my cause is hopeless. The united efforts of myself and your worthy relatives appear to be powerless to unearth a single grain of common-sense in your—er—pardon me—singularly obstinate disposition."
A subdued smile played at the corners of her mouth.
"I am delighted that you are convinced, Lord Arranmore," she said. "It will save us both a good deal of time and breath."
"Well—as to that I am not so sure," he answered, deliberately. "You forget that there is still an important matter to be decided."