Lady Lackington debated with herself what precise manner of reception she would award to Mr. Dunn,--whether to impose by the haughty condescension of a fine lady, or fascinate by the graceful charm of an agreeable one. She was “equal to either fortune,” and could calculate on success, whichever road she adopted. While she thus hesitated, he entered. If his approach had little or nothing of the man of fashion about it, it was still a manner wherein there was little to criticise. It was not bold nor timid, and, without anything like over-confidence, there was yet an air of self-reliance that was not without dignity. At dinner the conversation ranged over the usual topics of foreign travel, foreign habits, collections, and galleries. Of pictures and statues he had seen much, and evidently with profit and advantage; of people and society he knew next to nothing, and her Ladyship quickly detected this deficiency, and fell back upon it as her stronghold. “When hard-worked men like myself take a holiday,” said Dunn, “they are but too glad to escape from the realities of life by taking refuge amongst works of art. The painter and the sculptor suggest as much poetry as can consist with their stern notions, and are always real enough to satisfy the demand for fact.” “But would not what you call your holiday be more pleasantly passed in making acquaintances? You could of course have easy access to the most distinguished society.” “I'm a bad Frenchman, my Lady, and speak not a word of German or Italian.” “English is very generally cultivated just now,--the persons best worth talking to can speak it.” “The restraint of a strange tongue, like the novelty of a court dress, is a sad detractor from all naturalness. At least, in my own little experience with strangers, I have failed to read anything of a man's character when he addressed me in a language not his own.” “And was it essential you should have read it?” asked Lady Grace, languidly. “I am always more at my ease when I know the geography of the land I live in,” said Dunn, smiling. “I should say you have great gifts in that way,--I mean in deciphering character,” said Lady Lackington. “Your Ladyship flatters me. I have no pretensions of the kind. Once satisfied of the sincerity of those with whom I come into contact, I never strive to know more, nor have I the faculties to attempt more.” “But, in your wide-spread intercourse with life, do you not, insensibly as it were, become an adept in reading men's natures?”