"Poor old Ned didn't mean," Algernon began pleading on his cousin's behalf, when Mrs. Lovell's scornful eye checked the feeble attempt.
"I am a woman, and, in certain cases, I side with my sex."
"Wasn't it for you?"
"That he betrayed her? If that were so, I should be sitting in ashes."
Algernon's look plainly declared that he thought her a mystery.
The simplicity of his bewilderment made her smile.
"I think your colonies are the right place for you, Algy, if you can get an appointment; which must be managed by-and-by. Call on me to-morrow, as I said."
Algernon signified positively that he would not, and doggedly refused to explain why.
"Then I will call on you," said Mrs. Lovell.
He was going to say something angrily, when Mrs. Lovell checked him:
"Hush! she is singing."