"Yes, you are—for your intrinsic perspicuity, sir—la!"
And Miss Sallianna ogled her visitor.
"This," said Ralph, with enthusiasm, "is the proudest moment of my life. The beautiful Sallianna—"
"Oh, Mr. Ashley."'
"Yes, madam!" said Ralph, "torture would not make me change the word."
"La! Mr. Ashley!"
"The beautiful Miss Sallianna has declared that I am possessed of intrinsic perspicuity! I need nothing more. Now let the fates descend!"
With which heroic words Mr. Ralph Ashley wiped his brow with solemn dignity, and chuckled behind his handkerchief.
"I always admired perspicuity," said Miss Sallianna, with a languid glance.
"And I, beauty, madam."