Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 3).pdf/337

 Mrs. Ireton, and, therefore, unconquered.

The party was preparing to break up, when Mr. Giles Arbe entered the room, to apologize for the non-appearance of Miss Arbe, his cousin, who had bid him bring word, he said, that she was taken ill.

Ireton, by a few crafty questions, soon drew from him, that Miss Arbe was only gone to a little private music-meeting at Miss Sycamore's: though, affrighted when he had made the confession, he entreated Mrs. Ireton not to take it amiss; protesting that it was not done in any disrepect to her, but merely because his cousin was more amused at Miss Sycamore's.

Mrs. Ireton, extremely piqued, answered, that she should be very careful, in future, not to presume to make an invitation to Miss Arbe, but in a total dearth of other entertainment; in a famine; or public fast.

But, the moment he sauntered into