Upon this--and I have really never been so pleased at anything in
all my life--the Countess, the violence of her emotions
penetrating to her very fingers, gripped the handle of her
"starers" with such force that she broke it in two! She was a
woman of the world, and in a moment she looked as if nothing had
happened. With me it was different; and that I am not now on
Lady Mickleham's visiting list is due to (inter alia et enormia)
the fact that I laughed! It was out before I could help it. In
a second I was as grave as a mute. The mischief was done. The
Countess rose. I imitated her example.

"You are amused?" said she, and her tones banished the last of my
mirth. I stumbled on my hat and it rolled to her feet.

"It is not probable," she observed, "that after Miss Foster's
marriage you will meet her often. You will move in--er--somewhat
different circles."

"I may catch a glimpse of her in her carriage from the top of my
'bus," said I.

Lady Mickleham rang the bell. I stooped for my hat. To tell the
truth, I was rather afraid to expose myself in such a defenseless
attitude, but the Countess preserved her self control. The
butler opened the door. I bowed, and left the Countess regarding
me through the maimed "starers." Then I found the butler
smiling. He probably knew the signs of the weather. I wouldn't
be Lady Mickleham's butler if you made me a duke.

As I walked home through the Park, I met Miss Dolly and