“Ah, but I am going to grow used to the eyebrows,” interrupted Rule. “And she has the Nose.”
“Rule,” said her ladyship with dangerous quiet, “do not goad me too far! Where have you seen this child?”
He regarded her with a smile hovering round his mouth. “If I told you, Louisa, you would probably refuse to believe me.”
She cast up her eyes. “When did you have this notion of marrying her?” she asked.
“Oh, I didn’t,” replied the Earl. “It was not my notion at all.”
“Whose, then?”
“Horatia’s, my dear. I thought I had explained.”
“Do you tell me, Marcus, the girl asked you to marry her?” said Lady Louisa sarcastically.
“Instead of Elizabeth,” nodded his lordship. “Elizabeth, you see, is going to marry Mr Heron.”
“Who in the world is Mr Heron?” cried Lady Louisa. “I declare, I never heard such a farrago! Confess, you are trying to take me in.”