largely of pretty young girls, dressed as if for a fete champetre,
swaying to and fro in rocking chairs, fanning themselves with large
straw fans, and enjoying an enviable exemption from social cares.
Lord Lambeth had a theory, which it might be interesting to trace
to its origin, that it would be not only agreeable, but easily possible,
to enter into relations with one of these young ladies; and his companion
(as he had done a couple of days before) found occasion to check
the young nobleman's colloquial impulses.

"You had better take care," said Percy Beaumont, "or you will have an offended
father or brother pulling out a bowie knife."

"I assure you it is all right," Lord Lambeth replied. "You know
the Americans come to these big hotels to make acquaintances."

"I know nothing about it, and neither do you," said his kinsman, who, like a
clever man, had begun to perceive that the observation of American society
demanded a readjustment of one's standard.

"Hang it, then let's find out!" cried Lord Lambeth with some impatience.
"You know I don't want to miss anything."

"We will find out," said Percy Beaumont very reasonably.
"We will go and see Mrs. Westgate and make all proper inquiries."

And so the two inquiring Englishmen, who had this lady's
address inscribed in her husband's hand upon a card,
descended from the veranda of the big hotel and took their way,
according to direction, along a large straight road, past a
series of fresh-looking villas embosomed in shrubs and flowers