"Mr. John Merton merely spoke generally, Miss Stafford," said John, with a bow. "He would not have taken the liberty to apply his observation to any particular case." "This is perfectly delicious!" cried Bella Merton, clapping her hands. "I knew I should soon set you all by the ears. But we have wandered from my original proposition. Can I, or can I not, tell you the name of the gentleman who came with his daughter, as you say, to your place last week?" "I daresay you can," said Fanny Stothard, "though how you gained your information it would be impossible for me to say." "Don't tell her, Miss Stafford," said John Merton; "don't help her in the least degree. It's scarcely a fair subject of conversation; at least, it's one which I'm sure has no interest for me." "Was he a nice cross old dear?" said his sister; "and didn't he like to hear about the fine gentleman that admired Fanny?" John Merton looked so black at this remark, that Mr. Burgess thought it best to cut into the conversation. So he said: "But you haven't yet told us the name of the gentleman. Miss Merton." "Haven't I?" said Bella; "well, I'll be as good as my word. Colonel Orpington. Am I right, Fanny?" "I daresay you are. Miss Orpington's father came with her. What his title may be I haven't the least idea." "But he knows what your title is, dear, and accords it to you quite publicly." "And what title does he give Miss Stafford, pray?" asked John Merton, angrily. "That of the prettiest girl in London!" "I never heard a swell go so near the truth," growled John, half pleased and half annoyed. "Don't you think it is almost time for you to speak a little more plainly, Bella?" asked Fanny. "How do you know this Colonel Orpington, and what has he been saying about me?"