libertinism petrified her.

"Ye've taken such a liberty, sir 'deed ye've forgotten yourself!"

While she was speaking; she grew confused with the thought that Braintop
had mightily altered both his voice and shape. When on the doorstep he
said; "Come out of the darkness or, upon my honour, I shall behave
worse," she recognized Wilfrid, and understood by his yachting costume in
what manner he had come. He gave her no time to think of her dignity or
her wrath. "Lady Charlotte is with me. I sleep at the hotel; but you have
no objection to receive her, have you?" This set her mind upon her best
bedroom, her linen, and the fitness of her roof to receive a title. Then,
in a partial fit of gratitude for the honour, and immense thankfulness at
being spared the task of the letter, she fell on Wilfrid's shoulder,
beginning to sob--till he, in alarm at his absurd position, suggested
that Lady Charlotte awaited a welcome. Mrs. Chump immediately flew to her
drawing-room and rang bells, appearing presently with a lamp, which she
set on a garden-pillar. Together they stood by the lamp, a spectacle to
ocean: but no Lady Charlotte drew near.

CHAPTER, XXXVI

Though Mrs. Chump and Wilfrid, as they stood by the light of the lamp,
saw no one, they themselves were seen. Lady Charlotte had arranged to
give him a moment in advance to make his peace. She had settled it with
that air of practical sense which her title made graceful to him. "I will
follow; and I dare say I can complete what you leave unfinished," she
said. Her humorous sense of the aristocratic prestige was conveyed to him
in a very taking smile. He scarcely understood why she should have
planned so decisively to bring about a reconciliation between Mrs. Chump
and his family; still, as it now chimed perfectly with his own views and
wishes, he acquiesced in her scheme, giving her at the same time credit
for more than common wisdom.

While Lady Charlotte lingered on the beach, she became aware of a figure
that hung about her; as she was moving away, a voice of one she knew well
enough asked to be directed to the house inhabited by Mrs. Chump. The
lady was more startled than it pleased her to admit to herself.

"Don't you know me?" she said, bluntly.

"You!" went Emilia's voice.

"Why on earth are you here? What brings you here? Are you alone?"
returned the lady.

Emilia did not answer.

"What extraordinary expedition are you making? But, tell me one thing:
are y