"I so esteem it, madam," said Aurelia, blushing.

"More honour than pleasure, eh?"

"A great pleasure, madam."

"Say you so?" and the glittering blue eyes were keenly scanning the
modest face. "I should have thought a young maid like you would have
had the dismals at the mere notion of going near his dark chamber.
I promise you it gives me the megrim [migraine--D.L.] to look forward
to it."

"I was affrighted at first, madam," said Aurelia; "but Mr. Belamour
is so good and kind to me that I exceedingly enjoy the hours I spend
with him."

"La, child, you speak with warmth! We shall have you enamoured of a
voice like the youth they make sonnets about--what's his name?"

"Narcissus, madam," said Aurelia, put out of countenance by the banter.

"Oh, you are learned. Is Mr. Belamour your tutor, pray? And--oh fie!
I have seen that ring before!"

"He gave it to me yesterday," faltered Aurelia, "in case you should
intend to take me away, and I should not see him again. I hope I was
not wrong in accepting it, madam."

"Wrong, little fool, assuredly not," said my Lady, laughing. "It is