Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/82

 'And about waiting till I know my own mind Isn't it enough to look at her?'

'Ample, in my opinion,' said I.

George rose to his feet.

'They've gone to a party; they won't come round again,' said he. 'We may as well go, mayn't we?'

I was very comfortable; so I said timidly,—

'We might see somebody else we know.'

'Oh, somebody else be hanged! Who wants to see 'em?'

'I'm sure I don't,' said I hastily, as I rose from my armchair, which was at once snapped up.

We were about to return to the club, when I observed Lady Mickleham's barouche standing under the trees. I invited George to come and be introduced.

He displayed great indifference.

'She gives a good many parties,' said I; 'and perhaps'

'By Jove! yes. I may as well,' said George. 'Glad you had the sense to think of that, old man.'

So I took him up to Dolly and presented him. Dolly was very gracious: George is an eminently presentable boy. We fell into conversation.

'My cousin, Lady Mickleham,' said I, 'has been telling me'

'Oh, shut up, Sam!' said George, not, however, appearing very angry.

'About a subject on which you can assist him more than I can, inasmuch as you are married. He is in love.'