"She is," answered Mrs. Winstanley, from her seat behind the urn; "and I consider, under the circumstances, it is extremely kind of the Duchess to invite her." "Why?" asked Lord Mallow, intensely mystified. "Why, the truth is, my dear Lord Mallow, that Violet is in an anomalous position. She has been to Lady Southminster's ball, and a great many parties about here. She is out and yet not out, if you understand." Lord Mallow looked as if he was very far from understanding. "She has never been presented," explained Mrs. Winstanley. "It is too dreadful to think of. People would call me the most neglectful of mothers. But the season before last seemed too soon alter dear Edward's death, and last season, well"--blushing and hesitating a little--"my mind was so much occupied, and Violet herself was so indifferent about it, that somehow or other the time slipped by and the thing was not done. I feel myself awfully to blame--almost as much so as if I had neglected her confirmation. But early next season--at the very first drawing-room, if possible--she must be presented, and then I shall feel a great deal more comfortable in my mind." "I don't think it matters one little bit," said Lord Mallow, with appalling recklessness. "It would matter immensely if we were travelling. Violet could not be presented at any foreign court, or invited to any court ball. She would be an outcast. I shall have to be presented myself, on my marriage with Captain Winstanley. We shall go to London early in the spring. Conrad will take a small house in Mayfair." "If I can get one," said the captain doubtfully. "Small houses in Mayfair are as hard to get nowadays as black pearls--and as dear." "I am charmed to think you will be in town," exclaimed Lord Mallow; "and, perhaps, some night when there is an Irish question on, you and Miss Tempest might be induced to come to the Ladies' Gallery. Some ladies rather enjoy a spirited debate." "I should like it amazingly," cried Violet. "You are awfully rude to one another, are you not? And you imitate cocks and hens; and do all manner of dreadful things. It must be capital fun." This was not at all the kind of appreciation Lord Mallow desired. "Oh, yes; we are excruciatingly funny sometimes, I daresay, without knowing it," he said, with a mortified air.