‘Oh, my dear Mirabel, you do not know what trouble I am in.’
‘Mon cher Henri, soyez tranquille,’ said the Count, in a kind voice. ‘I am your friend. Rest assured, I will arrange it. Think no more of it until to-morrow at one o’clock, and then call on me. If you like, I am at your service at present.’
‘No, no, not here: there are letters.’
‘Ha, ha! Well, to-morrow, at one. In the meantime, do not write any nonsense.’
At this moment, the duchess, with a party of equestrians, passed and bowed to the Count Mirabel.
‘I say, Mirabel,’ exclaimed a young man, ‘who is that girl? I want to know. I have seen her several times lately. By Jove, she is a fine creature!’
‘Do not you know Miss Temple?’ said the Count. ‘Fancy a man not knowing Miss Temple! She is the only woman in London to be looked at.’
Now there was a great flutter in the band, and nothing but the name of Miss Temple was heard. All vowed they knew her very well, at least by sight, and never thought of anybody else. Some asked the Count to present them, others meditated plans by which that great result might be obtained; but, in the midst of all this agitation, Count Mirabel rode away, and was soon by the very lady’s side.
‘What a charming voyage yesterday,’ said the Count to Miss Temple. ‘You were amused?’
‘Very.’