for some reason Dolly laughed.) "Her intellectual powers are not
despicable."

"Thank you, Mr. Carter."

"She can say what she means on the occasions on which she wishes
to do so, and she is, at other times, equally capable of meaning
much more than she would be likely to say."

"How do you mean that, Mr. Carter, please?"

"It explains itself," said I, and I proceeded: "The fact of her
receiving a remark with disapprobation does not necessarily mean
that it causes her displeasure, nor must it be assumed that she
did not expect a visitor merely on the ground that she greets him
with surprise."

Here I observed Lady Mickleham looking at me rather suspiciously.

"I don't think that's quite nice of you, Mr. Carter," she said
pathetically.

"Lady Mickleham is, in short," I went on, coming to my
peroration, "equally deserving of esteem and affection--"

"Esteem and affection! That sounds just right," said Dolly
approvingly.

"And those who have been admitted to the enjoyment of her
friendship are unanimous in discouraging all others from seeking