“Probably it is because they would only bore each other to death if they did. No one in the middle classes ever breaks the moral law, I understand, and so they have nothing interesting to talk about.” The marchioness frowned severely. “Silence! Remember you are on your good behavior. You are not to shock this dear, good person.” The “dear, good person” interrupted the conversation by his appearance. He advanced to the marchioness, and shook hands with so much real regard that her rings were crushed into the flesh. “I’m delighted to see your ladyship--delighted! It’s so kind of you to come.” He turned to her companion. “And you, my lord.” In Tooting it is not the custom for married ladies to drive about paying visits with gentlemen other than their husbands or near relations. The marchioness forced a somewhat unnatural smile as she explained: “Er--let me--Mr. Despencer, a friend of mine.” A look of hopeless bewilderment appeared on the alderman’s speaking countenance. Despencer skilfully put in: “A friend of Mr. Hammond’s as well. The marchioness thought it better for me to come here with her.” The tension was relieved. Alderman Dobbin seated himself facing his visitors, while the marchioness opened the conversation. “I have taken the liberty of coming here, Mr. Dobbin, without waiting till you came to my house, because I wanted to have a private chat with you. You know how difficult it is to get five minutes’ conversation with any one in those crushes.” The alderman bowed, much gratified at being supposed to know anything whatever on the subject. “Of course, what I am going to say to you is in confidence,” the marchioness proceeded. “I am sure you would not dream of mentioning to Mr. Hammond that we had been here.” “Certainly not. Your ladyship may trust me absolutely. Not a soul shall know of it.” “I have heard Mr. Hammond speak of you so often that I feel you are quite an old friend. No doubt he has talked of us to you?” The alderman smiled feebly. He would have given a good deal to be able to say yes, but could not quite bring himself to it. “Perhaps I ought to say he has talked of my daughter, Lady Victoria?” Alderman Dobbin had never heard of such a person as Lady Victoria. His smile became feebler still. The marchioness coughed discreetly, and glanced towards Despencer. He came gallantly to the rescue. “It has been understood for some time that Mr. Hammond was likely to marry Lady Victoria, as, of course, you know.” “Yes, of course; quite so,” jerked out the alderman, deeply ashamed of his ignorance on the point. The marchioness heaved a sigh. “I need not ask if the match had your approval, Mr. Dobbin, because I am sure that you, as a friend of Mr. Hammond’s, must see what an advantage such a connection would be to him in his political career.” “Certainly, your ladyship. Nothing could be better. It would go a long way in Tooting.”