“’Tis, I am sure, with no will to offend. Believe me, he is of nature the most gentle——”
“With the looks of an ogre, sir!”
“But, indeed, Duchess——”
“Hush, Sir John! In Alfriston pray remember I am Mrs. Saunders!”
“And I, madam, am John Derwent.”
“And pray, John Derwent, what is the part you play here ’mid the rustic wild?”
“Madam, I am principal lover to Mrs. Saunders’ niece Rose.”
“A difficult rôle, sir!” answered the little Duchess, with her youthful laugh.
“Indeed, ’twould seem so,” he answered a little ruefully. “And ’tis thus I am here, humbly seeking your advice, dear Mrs. Saunders.”