what Lionel told me, they have
secured everything but the last; and I do think their arrangements to
meet that are as perfect as possible."

Mr. Cottrell shook his head dubiously.

"In the event of a very unpromising day," continued Mrs. Wriothesley,
"people will find a most excellent lunch spread in the cabins; and they
have made up their minds not to leave their moorings at Westminster
Bridge, so that people can have just as much as they please of the
entertainment."

"That idea positively trenches on genius," exclaimed Mr. Cottrell
approvingly, "and reduces it merely to lunching at any house in London.
Cabs innumerable round there; one, as you say, can get away at any
time."

"And now, Captain Bloxam," said Mrs. Wriothesley, "if you will ring the
bell for coffee, Sylla and I will get our cloaks on while it cools; and
then I think we must be going. Oh, about transport?" she adds, pausing
at the door. "I think, Mr. Cottrell, if you will take me in your
brougham, we will send the young couple in mine. Thanks," she
continued, in reply to Mr. Cottrell's bow of assent. "Come, Sylla."

Mr. Cottrell's thoughts were naturally unspoken, but he could not
refrain from mentally ejaculating, "Poor Lady Mary! what chance can she
have against such an artist as this?"

A few weeks ago, and no girl would, perhaps, have laughed more at the
idea of being nervous about driving alone to the theatre with Captain
Bloxam than Sylla Chipchase; but she unmistakably was this evening,
and, only that she was afraid of being ridiculed by her aunt, would
have asked to change escorts. She could not help showing it in her
manner a little when they were fairly started; and the Hussar was far
from discouraged thereby.

His mind was fully made up, and he pleaded his best, not one bit
abashed by her faint responses to his passionate protestations.

"I cannot tell you when I began to love you," he continued; "it was
from the first time I saw you, I believe; and, Sylla, I do hope you
care a little about me. I can hardly expect an answer tonight" (he
did, and meant having it, all the same). It would be hardly fair; but
if you can promise to be my wife before we part, I shall be the
lightest-hearted Hussar that rides up the Long Valley tomorrow."

"I don't know. I didn't think you cared about me. I must have time,"
she murmured.

Oh, these lovers! She did know; she did think he cared about her, and
she wanted no time.

"Sylla, deare