‘Lady Bardolf ought to be very much obliged to me, and so ought the world.’
‘I am,’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair.
‘That is worth everything else,’ said Tancred.
‘What a pretty carriage you have! I do not think I shall ever get into mine again. I am almost glad they have destroyed my chariot. I am sure I shall never be able to drive in anything else now except a brougham.’
‘Why did you not keep mine?’
‘You are magnificent; too gorgeous and oriental for these cold climes. You shower your presents as if you were in the East, which Lord Valentine tells me you are about to visit. When do you leave us?’
‘I think of going immediately.’
‘Indeed!’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair, and her countenance changed. There was a pause, and then she continued playfully, yet as it were half in sadness, ‘I almost wish you had not come to my rescue this morning.’
‘And why?’ ‘Because I do not like to make agreeable acquaintances only to lose them.’
‘I think that I am most to be pitied,’ said Tancred.