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304 "Yes— hang it! And Dicky Datchet's with her, too."

"Dicky Datchet! Do you mean the Earl of Datchet?"

"That's him."

"Dear me! How sad! I never thought that the Earl of Datchet was that kind of man."

"What kind of man?"

"I always thought that the Earl of Datchet was a nobleman of the strictest propriety—as one of our first nobility ought to be, for the sake of the public example. It is expected of him."

"What, Dicky Datchet! Well, I'm blowed; that's good!" His Grace stared at the lady as though she were some strange animal "I'll punch his head for him if he don't take care. I can fight if I can't do anything else. I'm not going to have him messing about with my wife, and I'll let him know it"

His Grace was most affable, and quite confidential He told them the most amazing stories about himself and the Duchess and the Earl of Datchet, and other persons of similar rank and refinement, connected with the "halls" and otherwise. He was a most astonishing young man. He shocked Miss Paynter into speechlessness. Mrs. Paynter would not for worlds have owned that she was shocked When they were on the boat she made to her daughter this—under the circumstances—singular remark: "Edith, it is quite evident that his Grace is greatly struck with you."

"That wretched little cad! Mother, how could you let him go on talking? If I had been a man I should have knocked him down."