"His leg, dear aunt, keep to his leg!"
"Gracious me, miss—what under heaven——"
"Legs, aunt, legs!"
"Mercy on us, Betty, what of his legs?"
"They are bearing him hither at this moment, dear aunt."
"O Gemini!" wailed the Lady Belinda, starting up from her cushions. "Heaven's mercy, Bet, how can you! And me in this gown—behold me—so faded and woebegone——"
"Nay, dear aunt, a little rouge——"
"I meant my garments, miss—look at 'em! And my hair! Ring the bell—call the maids! I vow I shall swoon an' he catch me so——"
"Nay, aunt, you do look very well and Sir Benjamin——"
"He too!" shrieked Lady Belinda, "I faint! I'm all of a twitter—I——