Her ladyship sat upright, flushed by a sudden impulse of gratitude.
"Who are your friends?" she asked, with a bright look.
"I have none, Lady Juliana. I am looking for some situation by which to be independent of friends."
"Oh, how fortunate for me! Would you like—but perhaps you are not qualified. Are you well educated? I think you are."
"I have been eight years at a boarding-school, my lady."
"Good gracious! I suppose you are as learned as Socrates. I never was at school in all my life! I was kept with Aunt Faulconcourt and beasts of governesses. But here comes papa."
The marquis re-entered with a bow, the consolidation of courtly etiquette.
"Papa. I was too stupid before to introduce you to Miss Blair. She is the young lady who saved my life. I wish to do something for her."
His lordship advanced and held out two fingers.
"How can I most suitably thank Miss Blair for her services to my daughter?"