"Yes, a pretty Frenchwoman! quite romantic--an attachment of some years' standing." Florence turned away her face, and said no more. "That's a good fellow, Lumley," said Lord Saxingham; "Florence is never more welcome to my eyes than at half-past one o'clock A.M., when I associate her with thoughts of my natural rest, and my unfortunate carriage-horses. By the by, I wish you would dine with me next Saturday." "Saturday: unfortunately I am engaged to my uncle." "Oh! he has behaved handsomely to you?" "Yes." "Mrs. Templeton pretty well?" "I fancy so." "As ladies wish to be, etc.?" whispered his lordship. "No, thank Heaven!" "Well, if the old man could but make you his heir, we might think twice about the title." "My dear lord, stop! one favour--write me a line to hint that delicately." "No--no letters; letters always get into the papers." "But cautiously worded--no danger of publication, on my honour." "I'll think of it. Good night."