"Charming people! A noble family!"
The Major would have bowed again but for my lady Betty's levelled needle; thereafter while her aunt alternately prattled of the joys of Bath and languished over the delights of London, the Major's buttons were rapidly sewn into place and my lady was in the act of nibbling the thread when once again the ponderous menial drew nigh who, making the utmost of his generous proportions, announced:
"Lord Alvaston, Captain West and Mr. Dalroyd——"
"O Betty!" exclaimed Lady Belinda, clasping rapturous fingers, "Mr. Dalroyd—that charming man who was so attentive at Bath and afterwards in London—such legs, my dear, O Gemini!"
"To see the Lady Elizabeth—most express, my ladies."
"Tell them to go—say I'm busy——"
"Betty!" wailed her aunt.
"Say I'm engaged, say——"
"O Bet—Betty—my child," twittered her aunt, "why this cruel coldness—this harsh rigour?"
"O say I'm out—say anything!"