earnest.

"Will Miss Wynter like _her?"_ says the professor. "That is the real
point."

"Oh! I see!" says Hardinge thoughtfully.

The next day, however, proves the professor's fears vain in both
quarters. An early visit to Lady Baring, and an anxious appeal,
brings out all that delightful woman's best qualities. One
stipulation alone she makes, that she may see the young heiress
before finally committing herself to chaperone her safely through
the remainder of the season.

The professor, filled with hope, hies back to his rooms, calls for
Mrs. Mulcahy, tells her he is going to take his ward out for a
drive, and gives that worthy and now intensely interested landlady
full directions to see that Miss Wynter looks--"er--nice! you know,
Mrs. Mulcahy, her _best_ suit, and----"

Mrs. Mulcahy came generously to the rescue.

"Her best frock, sir, I suppose, an' her Sunday bonnet. I've often
wished it before, Mr. Curzon, an' I'm thinkin' that 'twill be the
makin' of ye; an' a handsome, purty little crathur she is an' no
mistake. An' who is to give away the poor dear, sir, askin' yer
pardon?"

"I am," says the professor.