self
had never condescended to notice any woman but a queen regnant: and I
further endeavored to give some idea of his identity. Miss Rowley
stopped me short, however.

"Only procure me one line from him, Mr. Howard, and I shall be indebted
to you for life. It will be time enough to find out all about him when
I once have his name--that is the essential thing."

I shrunk from committing myself, however; declaring that I would as
soon engage to procure a billet-doux from Prester John.

{Prester John = Mythical ruler believed in the Middle Ages to head a
powerful Christian Kingdom somewhere in Asia; later identified with the
Christian Kings of Ethiopia in Africa}

"Prester John! That would, indeed, be quite invaluable!"

This Asiatic diversion was a happy one, and came very apropos, for it
carried Miss Rowley into China; she inquired if I had any Chinese
connections.

"Though altogether, I am pretty well satisfied with my Chinese
negotiations; as soon as the Celestial Empire was opened to the
civilized world, I engaged an agent there to collect for me. But, could
you put me on the track of a Confucius?"

{opened to the civilized world = following the so-called Opium War,
Britain had in 1842 forced China to open trade with her}

I was obliged to admit my inability to do so; and at the same moment
the collecting instincts of Lady Holberton and Mr. T----, drew their
attention to the corner where Miss Rowley and myself were conversing;
as they moved toward us, Miss Rowley pocketed her list, throwing
herself upon my honor not to betray the deficiencies in her role
d'equipage, or the collecting negociations just opened between us. Lady
Holberton, as she advanced, invited Miss Rowley, with an ill-concealed
air of triumph, to feast her eyes once more on the Lumley autograph,
and not long after the party broke up.

{role d'equipage = muster roll (French); here, Miss Rowley's list of
her autographs}

The next day, in passing Holberton-House, I observed the chariot of a
fashionable physician before the door; and at Miss Rowley's party in
the evening learned from Mr. T---- that Lady Holberton was quite
unwell. The following morning I called to inquire, and received for
answer that "her ladyship was very much indisposed." It was not until a
week later that I saw Lady Holberton herself, taking the air in Hyde
Park. She looked wretchedly--thin and pale. I inquired from the English
friend with whom I was riding, if there was