“‘My object in coming here is to speak to you relative to your daughter.’
“‘Do you come from the Colonel, then?’ said Mrs Stanhope, sharply.
“‘No, madam. I have no acquaintance with the Colonel.’
“‘Then how do you know my daughter, sir?’
“‘I had the pleasure of meeting her at my father’s. She stayed a short time with my family at our country seat at Kew.’
“‘Indeed!’ exclaimed Mrs Stanhope, ‘well I had no idea of that. I’m sure the Judge was very kind; but, sir, you know that my daughter has married very unfortunately.’
“‘That she has married, madam, I am aware, but I trust not unfortunately.’
“‘Why, sir, she has married a colonel,—a fellow who came here and told us it was no marriage at all!’
“‘It is to rectify that mistake, madam, which has induced me to call. The Colonel, madam, did hear that your daughter was at Mrs Bradshaw’s establishment, and wished to carry her off, supposing that she was a very rich prize, but, madam, he made a slight mistake—instead of your daughter, he has run away and married the French teacher, who has not a sixpence. He has now found out his mistake, and is off to Paris to hide himself from the laughter of the town.’
“This intelligence was the cause of much mirth and glee to Mr and Mrs Stanhope; the latter actually cried with delight, and I took care to join heartily in the merriment. As soon as it had subsided, Mrs Stanhope said—