"Well, I'm sure I don't know him," said Minnie. "I never knew a Zouave officer in my life."
"It may be Captain Kirby, under an assumed name and a disguise."
"Oh no, it isn't. I don't believe he would be such a perfect—monster. Oh dear! It's somebody, though. It must be. And he wants me. Oh, what shall I do?"
"Nonsense! You need not go. Aunty will see him, and send him off."
"Oh, I do so hope he'll go; but I'm afraid he won't."
After a short time Lady Dalrymple returned.
"Really," said she, "this is a most extraordinary person. He speaks English, but not at all like an Englishman. I don't know who he is. He calls himself a Baron, but he doesn't seem to be a foreigner. I'm puzzled."
"I hope he's gone," said Mrs. Willoughby.
"No—that's the worst of it. He won't go. He says he must see Minnie, and he won't tell his errand. I told him that he could not see you, but that I would tell you what he wanted, and that you were not at home. And what do you think he said?"
"I'm sure I don't know, Dowdy dear."