When the wish is father not merely to the thought, but to the subsequent argument, it is by no means difficult to beat down and utterly vanquish the subtlest and most logical self-reasoning. Three minutes' reflection and balancing served to show Laurence how wrong he had been in thinking of absenting himself at such a critical time; and though for a moment the "still small voice" ventured to insinuate a doubt of the soundness of his argument, yet he felt that leaving future events to take such course as they might ultimately fall into--it was at least his bounden duty to go then and inquire after Lady Mitford; and onwards he proceeded. Lady Mitford was at home. In a charming drawing-room--everything in it bearing evidence of exquisite womanly taste,--he found her, dressed, as he expected, in the most lovely of morning-costumes--a high violet-silk dress with a simple linen collar and cuffs; her hair perfectly plain, showing the small classic head in all its beauty: she looked to him the loveliest creature he had ever seen. She rose at the announcement of his name, and came forward with a pleasant smile on her face and with outstretched hand Laurence noticed--not, perhaps, without a little disappointment--that there was not the smallest sign of a blush on her cheek, nor the slightest tremor in her voice. "I'm so glad to see you, Colonel Alsager," she said frankly; "I'm sure I've thought a hundred times since we parted of my _gaucherie_ in not thanking you sufficiently for the real service you did me yesterday." "Pray don't say another word about it, Lady Mitford; it was a simple duty which merits no further mention." "Indeed, I don't think so. It was a very gallant act in itself, and one which, so far as I'm concerned, renders me your debtor for life." "The acknowledgment cancels the obligation. I only trust you are none the worse for the mishap." "Thank you, not in the least.. I was a little shaken and unstrung by the fall, and rather stupid yesterday evening, I'm inclined to think; but the night's rest has set me perfectly right. You know I'm country-bred, and therefore what my husband would call in good condition; and I've had so many tumbles off ponies, and been upset so many times in our Devonshire lanes by papa,--who, I'm afraid, is not a very good whip, bless him!--that I'm not entirely unused to such accidents." "That accounts for your pluck, then. I never saw any one go through what--now it's over--I may say was a very ugly runaway, with more perfect calmness." "Ah, that's what I wanted to ask you. I lost my head just as we started down that descent, and knew nothing afterwards. I do so hope I didn't scream." "You may make yourself thoroughly easy on that score. You were perfectly mute."