"If I met her in one of her native mud cabins the difficulty, if it existed at all, would exist all the same for me; I feel that she is in herself equal to a ring fence of nobility. But," I continued, walking up and down the room with folded arms, the approved method of showing that stern determination, "_that_ I can easily manage; I suffered too much, and felt my natural powers whatever they are, under too great a cloud from my false position last night, ever to submit myself to the same again. No, I shall boldly say that I had called to relieve my conscience by apologising for the audacity with which I had encouraged her mistake last night, but that I really had not sufficient strength of mind to deny myself the pleasure of dancing and conversing with her, and that in reward of my present endeavour to do right, I hoped she would not deny me the honour of her acquaintance; surely, the very effort to see her will be in my favour." "Granted; _et puis_," said Burton coolly. "For God's sake, my dear fellow, don't ask me to begin thinking of consequences _now_, for the first time in my life!" "It strikes me, Egerton, that you are decidedly done for!" "Not exactly. Yet I confess I would attempt and brave a good deal to hear the low tones of my nameless belle's rather remarkable voice once more. There was so much feeling in them. I am sure she sings. I fear the wish to see her is scarcely reciprocated, for I had at times a dread sensation from the bright laugh in her eye that somehow or other she was selling me. Probably she confounded me with some fool she had known formerly; flattering association! Yet, I am not without what are generally considered elements of success in the eyes of the fair sex! _Imprimis_, one dark brown curly _pow_, as our friends in the north say, two eyes ditto in tint, six feet high, and an air _distingué_. Eh! Burton, what do you say?" "That you're an insufferable coxcomb, but the inventory is tolerably correct." "Don't imagine that I consider the items of much value. None but inexperienced boys think that mere good looks are a passport to the heart of any woman that's worth having. We love beauty exclusively; but there is not a woman with an ounce of truth in herself that will not be instinctively attracted to a manly straightforward fellow, be he ever so plain; and, if he show her devotion, give him her whole heart as readily as if he was Apollo and Adonis all in one!" "Hum," said Burton, "perhaps so; but to business. How do you intend to proceed?" "First, to discover cab 756, and, from its interesting charioteer, learn at what hotel the objects of my search put up; there they will know their names." "Suppose they were at a private house with friends." "Pshaw! Suppose they had lodgings in the moon! Did I not tell you the young lady expressly said they were perfect strangers?" "That might be _façon_." "Burton! Another objection and you may look out for squalls! It is my only plan, so be silent."