"Have a coach and six, my dear Mrs. McMurray," I said. "It will
doubtless please Carlotta better."

I summoned Carlotta and performed the ceremony of introduction.
To my surprise she was perfectly at her ease and with the
greatest courtesy of manner invited the visitor to accompany her
to her own apartments.

When Mrs. McMurray returned to the drawing-room she wore an
expression that can only be described as indescribable.

"What, my dear Sir Marcus, do you think is to be the ultimate
destiny of that young person?"

"She shall learn type-writing," said I, suddenly inspired, "and
make a fair copy of my Renaissance Morals."

"She would make a very fair copy indeed of Renaissance Morals,"
returned the lady, dryly.

"Is she so very dreadful?" I asked in alarm. "The peignoir, I
know--"

"Perhaps that has something to do with it."

"Then, for heaven's sake," said I, "dress her in drabs and greys
and subfusc browns. Cut off her hair and give her a row of
buttons down the back."

My friend's eyes sparkled.