"We, Henry? Pray, who is we?"
"Why, Mr. Buckingham and I. You have certainly a most hospitable fashion of leaving your shades up. He walked out with me after I had called on him, and he seemed to have a good deal to say after we came to the door. There is an excellent view of the interior from the door; and Miss Vila and you were certainly animated."
"This is really dreadful! Lillie, do you suppose he saw us talk?"
"I don't know. I feel as if he heard every word.—Mr. Wilding, I hope you didn't repeat any of the foolish speeches your cousin made at the tea-table?"
"I was discreetness itself, Miss Vila."
"But why didn't you invite him in, Henry?" asked his cousin.
"Upon my word, this is reasonable! First I am made to promise solemnly that I won't disclose Miss Vila's name, and then I am asked why I didn't bring him in and introduce him. He wanted to come in, I know."
"He wanted to!"
"Yes; he tried to worm out of me who my cousin was, and he walked up here on purpose to find out where you lived."
"How lucky there is no name on the door!" exclaimed the cousin.