"So very sorry to hear Lady Jane is suffering; but I really think your advice, General Lennox--it's so very fine and mild--and I think it might amuse Lady Jane;" and he glanced at the lady, who, however, wearing her bewitching smile, was conversing with Mrs. Maberly about a sweet little white dog, with long ears and a blue ribbon, which had accompanied her walk from the house. "Well, dear, Sir Jekyl wants to know. What do you say?" inquired the General. "Oh, pray arrange as you please. I dare say I can go. It's all the same," answered Lady Jane, without raising her eyes from silvery little Bijou, on whom she bestowed her unwonted smiles and caresses. "You belong to Beatrix, you charming little fairy--I'm sure you do; and is not it very wicked to go out with other people without leave, you naughty little truant?" "You must not attack her so. She really loves Beatrix; and though she has come out just to take the air with me, I don't think she cares twopence about me; and I know I don't about her." "What a cruel speech!" cried pretty Mrs. Maberly, with a laugh that showed her exquisite little teeth. "The _fact_ is cruel--if you will--not the speech--for she can't hear it," said Sir Jekyl, patting Bijou. "So they _act_ love to your face, poor little dog, and say what they please of you behind your back," murmured Lady Jane, soothingly, to little Bijou, who wagged his tail and wriggled to her feet. "Yes, they do, poor little dog!" "Well, I shall venture--may I? I'll order the carriages at one. And we'll say Gryston Bridge," said Sir Jekyl, hesitating notwithstanding, inquiry plainly in his countenance. "Sir Jekyl's waiting, dear," said General Lennox, a little imperiously. "I really don't care. _Yes_, then," she said, and, getting up, she took the General's arm and walked away, leaving Mrs. Maberly and her host to their _tête-à-tête_.