The gracious young matron would be delighted to take them round to Grosvenor Square for the inspection of the wife of this most agreeable elderly gentleman, whose name, by the way, she had not the pleasure of knowing. All the same, the mention of Grosvenor Square and the demeanor of Mr. Wingrove combined to give the young madam a pretty shrewd suspicion.
As for Arminius Wingrove, he was amazed at the resource and the boldness of Providence, which, of course, he was quite entitled to be. And in that, to be sure, he was by no means singular. Many first-rate minds have been similarly occupied for some little time past.
Grandfather, all unconscious of the wicked trick that Fate had put upon him, prattled along by the side of the four-wheeled chariot; and he was presently moved to indulge in the proud confidence that they had recently had Twins in the Family.
“Oh, really,” said Mr. Wingrove.
“Oh, how interesting,” said the proud young mother, not to be outdone in gravity.
“I must really go and see ’em,” said Grandfather.
“Oh, haven’t you seen them yet?” said the fair charioteer.
Not yet. It seemed that a Proconsul had so many calls upon his attention.
“Well, if I was their mother, I don’t think I should be very pleased with you. Haven’t you been rather remiss, Mr.—? I haven’t the pleasure of knowing your name.”
“Lord Shelmerdine,” said Mr. Wingrove, hastening to atone for his sin of omission.