"You are quite ridiculous, sir. And this is my home."
"Alas!" sighed Mr. Bancroft. "I would it were a mile away." He opened the gate and held it for her, bowing. "May I pay my respects to Madam Charteris?" he begged.
"If you please, sir," said Cleone, eyes cast down.
They found madam in the hall, speaking to one of the servants. When she saw the resplendent Mr. Bancroft she gasped, and fell back a pace.
Bancroft stepped forward, hat in hand.
"I dare not hope for recognition, madam," he bowed. "Henry Bancroft begs you will allow him to kiss your hand."
Madam Charteris extended it weakly.
"Henry Bancroft? Gracious heaven, is it indeed you?"
Bancroft kissed the tips of her fingers, holding them lightly to his mouth with two fingers and a thumb.
"I met Mistress Cleone in the market-place," he told her. "Conceive my surprise, madam, my joyful ecstasy!"