'
'Well, if it must be so; but I am ashamed to inconvenience you. How
provoking of these men! Pray, then, tell the coachman to drive fast,
that you may not have to wait. I declare there is scarcely a human being
in the room; and those odd people are staring so!'
He pressed her arm as he led her to his carriage. She is in; and yet,
before the door shuts, he lingers.
'I shall certainly walk,' said he. 'I do not think the easterly wind
will make me very ill. Good-bye! Oh, what a _coup-de-vent_!'
'Let me get out, then; and pray, pray take the carriage. I would much
sooner do anything than go in it. I would much rather walk. I am sure
you will be ill!'
'Not if I be with you.'
CHAPTER XII.
_Royal Favour_
THERE was a brilliant levee, all stars and garters; and a splendid
drawing-room, all plumes and _seduisantes_. Many a bright eye, as its
owner fought his way down St. James's Street, shot a wistful glance at
the enchanted bow-window where the Duke and his usual companions, Sir
Lucius, Charles Annesley, and Lord Squib, lounged and laughed, stretched
themselves and sneered: many a bright eye, that for a moment pierced the
futurity that painted her going in state as Duchess of St.
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