"Well, then, several men were silly enough to think
themselves--you know."

"No one better," I assented cheerfully.

"Oh, if you won't be sensible!--Well, you see, many of them are
Archie's friends as well as mine; and, of course, they've been to
call."

"It is but good manners," said I.

"One of them waited to be sent for, though."

"Leave that fellow out," said I.

"What I want to ask you is this--and I believe you're not silly,
really, you know, except when you choose to be."

"Walk in the Row any afternoon," said I, "and you won't find ten
wiser men."

"It's this. Ought I to tell Archie?"

"Good gracious! Here's a problem!"

"Of course," pursued Lady Mickleham, opening her fan, "it's in
some ways more comfortable that he shouldn't know."

"For him?"