Decidedly, he produced a favourable impression. Tall, and slight of figure, with features agreeable in expression, if not handsome, he was easy and refined in manner, and seemed to possess great tact. He had light-brown hair, a beard of the same hue, and very good teeth.
Both girls were pleased with him, and he was evidently struck by their beauty; but he paid no exclusive attention to Emmeline, and talked quite as much to Mildred as to her. His sole aim seemed to be to amuse them, and his chat being very lively, and some of his stories very diverting, he perfectly succeeded. When he and Scrope rose to depart, after a visit of half an hour, during which there was no pause in the conversation, Lady Thicknesse asked them both to dinner, and the invitation was accepted—much to the delight of the girls.
“Well, what do you think of Lord Courland?” observed Lady Thicknesse, who thought the affair had commenced capitally. “Have I said too much in his praise?”
“Not at all,” replied Emmeline. “I never spent half an hour more agreeably.”
“Nor I,” added Mildred. “I feel quite ashamed of myself for laughing so much, but I really couldn't help it. He is an excellent talker!”
“I hope you will see a great deal more of him during your stay in town,” said Lady Thicknesse.
“I hope we shall,” rejoined Emmeline. “He promises to be a very agreeable acquaintance.”
“He may possibly be something more than a mere acquaintance, my love!” remarked her ladyship, significantly. “I think you have made a conquest. He seemed quite captivated!”
“Not by me, my dear aunt. If he was captivated by either of us, it was by Mildred. She has made the conquest!”
“Quite unintentionally,” replied Mildred. “But I agree with Lady Thicknesse; you were the chief attraction.”