"Perhaps so. I'll grant it; but, my good boy, you must be a man of the world; and now that we are upon that subject, let us understand one another." "By all means," assented Litton eagerly. "First of all, though, I cannot worry myself with too much work at once. I have those two girls to marry, and I must get that out of hand before I undertake more." "Exactly; and all is now in train." "Many a slip, Arturo, 'twixt cup and lip; but we shall see--we shall see." Her ladyship went on snipping vigorously. "I want you to understand me. To speak plainly, Arturo, you are a gentleman of great polish." "Thanks," he said, bowing. "And a good presence." He bowed again. "You are not quite handsome, but there is an aristocratic, well-bred look about you that would recommend you to any lady--and I mean you to marry a lady." "Yes, by all means. Pray don't find me a young person who might pass for a relative of the great Elbraham." "My good boy, there is no such party in the field; and if there were, I should not allow you to try and turn up that haughty aristocratic nose at her. A hundred thousand pounds, dear Arturo, would gild over a great many blemishes." "True, O queen!" he said, smiling. "As I said before, let us understand one another. You must not be too particular. Suppose the lady chances to be old?" Litton made a grimace. "And rich--very rich?" "That would make amends," he said with a smile. "I could marry you myself, Arturo," she continued, looking very much attenuated and hawk-like as she smiled at him in a laughing way. "Why not?" he cried eagerly, as the richly-furnished home and income opened out to his mind ease and comfort for life. "Because I am too old," she said, smiling at the young man's impetuosity. "Oh, no," he cried; "you would be priceless in my eyes." "Hold your tongue, Arturo, and don't be a baby," said her ladyship. "I tell you I am too old to be foolish enough to marry. There are plenty of older women who inveigh against matrimony, and profess to have grown too sensible and too wise to embark in it, who would give their ears to win a husband." "Why should not Lady Littletown be placed in this list?" said Litton meaningly. "Because I tell you she is too old in a worldly way. No, my dear boy, when an elderly woman marries, it is generally because she is infatuated with the idea of possessing a young husband. She thinks for the moment that he woos her for her worldly store; but she is so flattered by his attentions that these outweigh all else, and she jumps at the opportunity of changing her state." "Again, then," he whispered impressively, "why should not this apply to Lady Littletown?"