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68 I am moderate in my ambition. I do love Greshamsbury, and if Mr. Gresham had a younger brother, perhaps, you know—'

'Another just like myself, I suppose,' said Frank.

'Oh, yes. I could not possibly wish for any change.'

'Just as eloquent as you are, Frank,' said the Lady Margaretta.

'And as good a carver,' said Patience.

'Miss Bateson has lost her heart to him for ever, because of his carving,' said the Lady Margaretta.

'But perfection never repeats itself,' said Patience.

'Well, you see, I have not got any brothers,' said Frank; 'so all I can do is to sacrifice myself.'

'Upon my word, Mr. Gresham, I am under more than ordinary obligations to you; I am, indeed,' and Miss Oriel stood still in the path, and made a very graceful curtsy. 'Dear me! only think, Lady Margaretta, that I should be honoured with an offer from the heir the very moment he is legally entitled to make one.'

'And done with so much true gallantry, too,' said the other; 'expressing himself quite willing to postpone any views of his own for your advantage.'

'Yes,' said Patience; 'that's what I value so much: had he loved me now, there would have been no merit on his part; but a sacrifice you know—'

'Yes, ladies are so fond of such sacrifices. Frank, upon my word, I had no idea you were so very excellent at making speeches.'

'Well,' said Frank, 'I shouldn't have said sacrifice, that was a slip; what I meant was—'

'Oh, dear me,' said Patience, 'wait a minute; now we are going to have a regular declaration. Lady Margaretta, you haven't got a scent-bottle, have you? And if I should faint, where's the garden-chair?'

'Oh, but I'm not going to make a declaration at all,' said Frank.

'Are you not? Oh! Now, Lady Margaretta, I appeal to you; did you not understand him to say something very particular?'

'Certainly, I thought nothing could be plainer,' said the Lady Margaretta.

'And so, Mr. Gresham, I am to be told, that after all it means nothing,' said Patience, putting her handkerchief up to her eyes.

'It means that you are an excellent hand at quizzing a fellow like me.'

'Quizzing! No; but you are an excellent hand at deceiving a poor girl like me. Well, remember I have got a witness; here is Lady Margaretta, who heard it all. What a pity it is that my