"Place pour un," said I, taking hold of the back of the Duke of Devonshire's chair.
"I am going," said his grace; "but seriously, Harriette, I want to accomplish dining alone some evening, on purpose to pay you a visit."
"There will be no harm in that," said I.
"None! None!" answered Luttrell, who took my allusion.
Alvanly brought me a tall, well-dressed foreigner, whom he was waiting to present to me as "his friend."
"That won't do, Lord Alvanly," said I; "really, that is no introduction, and less recommendation. Name your friend, or away with him."
"Ma foi, madame," said the foreigner, "un nom ne fait rien du tout. Vous me voyez là, madame, honnête homme, de cinq pieds et neuf pouces."
"Madame est persuadé de vos cinq pieds, mais elle n'est pas si sure de vos neuf pouces," Alvanly observed.
"Adieu, ma belle Harriette," said the duke, at last taking my hint and rising to depart.
Julia and Fanny now returned: the latter as usual was delighted to meet Alvanly.