"Yes, sir; it was my excuse to Mr. Denis, who very kindly offered to be my escort."
And Lucy gave Jack Denis a little smile which elevated that gentleman into upper air.
"Well," said Hoffland, "I suppose then I am to go and find somebody else—a forlorn young man going to find a lady to take care of him. Come, Miss Lucy, cannot you recommend some one?"
"Let me see," said Lucy, laughing gleefully; "what acquaintances have you?"
"Very few; and I would not escort any of those simpering little damsels usually seen at assemblies."
"What description of damsel do you prefer?" asked Lucy, smiling.
"A fine, spirited, amusing young lady like yourself," said Hoffland; "the merrier and more ridiculous the better."
"Ridiculous, indeed! Well, sir," said Lucy mischievously, "I think I have found the very one to suit you."
"Miss Philippa——"