Mrs. B., the Colonel, and Mrs. G. were at this time making themselves very merry, but their conversation was carried on in so low a tone of voice that nothing reached Miss Freeman's ears. She was in a melancholy mood, thinking of the sufferings the young Marquis had undergone, the enormities of those who had caused them, and whether all or the greater part of what she had heard was not pure invention; and, finally, that the Baronet wasn't half so nice as the Marquis. But, then, how could he be, being only a Baronet? While she was communing with herself, Mrs. B. returned to her former seat. As she resumed her place she said: 'And how do you like Sir Charles, Miss Freeman?' 'Oh, I like him of all things,' replied the young lady, 'only I wish he would not speak so unkindly of the Marquis.' 'I fancy he only tells you,' replied Mrs. B., 'what is common at all our public schools, particularly if the boy spoken of does not happen to understand his syntax (I think they call it) well. But,' continued she, 'I don't perceive that you are making any approach to a more cordial footing.' 'I wish I could,' returned Miss F., 'but I don't know how to manage it.' 'I am surprised at that,' said Mrs. B., 'since you have been so intimate with so many titled personages; but I will try if I can't help you.' 'Oh, Mrs. B., if you would I should be so grateful.' Mrs. B., as soon as she caught his eye, beckoned to Sir Charles. When he came up to her, she said: 'I thought you were to be in waiting on me, sir, for this evening; but I find you're a very careless squire.' 'Haven't you elected me for your knight? How, then, can I be a careless squire? But _mille pardons_,' continued the gentleman, 'I do confess to a temporary dereliction.' 'Which,' returned Mrs. B., 'if I were not most royally disposed I should not forgive so readily.' 'I think if I were forgotten so I would not be so merciful,' observed the young lady. 'Why, what would you do under such circumstances?' asked Sir Charles. 'Would you order the culprit to be shut up in the Tower? or would you order him to be beheaded at once?' 'Not being a Queen,' returned Miss F., 'I would not resort to such measures.' 'Then what would you do?' continued the gentleman. 'Would you have a riband or a silk cord tied to the rover's leg or arm, and fastened by the other end to your fan or your waistband?' 'No,' replied Miss F., 'I would not do that.' 'No! Then what would you do?' 'I think I know what I would do,' returned Miss F. 'I say,' said Mrs. B., 'for the sake of similarly neglected ladies, do inform us.' 'Yes,' said Sir Charles, 'it would only be fair to tell.' 'I think,' said Miss F., whispering the words into Mrs. B.'s ear, 'I would try and retain him by the language of the eyes.' 'Oh,' said Mrs. B., laughing, 'but all ladies may not have such proficiency in that language as you may possess.'