"The fact is," replies Jacques, smiling, "you are looking so lovely, that I could not help it."
"Oh, sir!" says the girl blushing, but delighted. Which expression makes her companion—a youthful gentleman called Bathurst—frown with jealousy.
Lucy is admiring the child, when she finds herself saluted by Sir Asinus, who has made her acquaintance some time since.
"A delightful evening, Miss Mowbray," says that worthy; "and I find you admiring a very dear friend of mine."
"Who is that, sir?" says Lucy, smiling.
"Little Miss Martha."
"She is your friend?"
"Are you not?" says Sir Asinus, bowing with great devotion to Martha; "you caught me this morning, you know."
"Oh no, sir! you caught me!"
"Indeed!" cried Sir Asinus; "I thought 'twas the lady's part!"