'I fancy he only tells you,' replied Mrs. B., 'what is common at all our public schools, particularly if the boy spoken of does not happen to understand his syntax (I think they call it) well. But,' continued she, 'I don't perceive that you are making any approach to a more cordial footing.'
'I wish I could,' returned Miss F., 'but I don't know how to manage it.'
'I am surprised at that,' said Mrs. B., 'since you have been so intimate with so many titled personages; but I will try if I can't help you.'
'Oh, Mrs. B., if you would I should be so grateful.'
Mrs. B., as soon as she caught his eye, beckoned to Sir Charles. When he came up to her, she said: 'I thought you were to be in waiting on me, sir, for this evening; but I find you're a very careless squire.'
'Haven't you elected me for your knight? How, then, can I be a careless squire? But mille pardons,' continued the gentleman, 'I do confess to a temporary dereliction.'
'Which,' returned Mrs. B., 'if I were not most royally disposed I should not forgive so readily.'
'I think if I were forgotten so I would not be so merciful,' observed the young lady.
'Why, what would you do under such circumstances?' asked Sir Charles. 'Would you order the culprit to be shut up in the Tower? or would you order him to be beheaded at once?'