"On Lucy's account!"
"On Miss Lucy's account," said Hoffland, emphasizing the "Miss."
"Oh, well, sir," said Denis, with a slight air of coldness; "I don't deny that I was wrong in so speaking of a lady, but I don't see that you had the right to correct me."
"Why, Mr. Denis," said Hoffland smiling, "you take my little speeches too seriously."
"No, sir; and if I showed some hastiness of temper, excuse me—I believe it is my failing."
"Oh, really now! no apologies," said Hoffland laughing; "I am not aware that you were out of temper—though that is not an unusual thing with men. And now, having settled the question of the proper manner to address or speak of Miss Lucy, I will go on and tell you—as you seemed interested—why I did not feel myself at liberty to accept Mr. Mowbray's invitation—or Ernest's: I call him Ernest, and he calls me Charles."
"You seem to be well acquainted with him," said Denis.
"Oh, we are sworn friends!—of four days' standing."
Denis looked at his companion with great curiosity.
"Mowbray—the most reserved of men in friendship!" he muttered.