"I do not like this, Lucian. Important communications--in this
case--corrupt good manners. If your intended speech is a sensible
one, the present is as good a time, and Bedford Square as good a
place, as you are likely to find for it. If it is otherwise, confess
that you have decided to leave it unsaid. But do not postpone it.
Reticence is always an error--even on the treasury bench. It is
doubly erroneous in dealing with me; for I have a constitutional
antipathy to it."

"Yes," he said, hurriedly; "but give me one moment--until the
policeman has passed."

The policeman went leisurely by, striking the flags with his heels,
and slapping his palm with a white glove.

"The fact is, Lydia, that--I feel great difficulty--"

"What is the matter?" said Lydia, after waiting in vain for further
particulars. "You have broken down twice in a speech." There was a
pause. Then she looked at him quickly, and added, incredulously,
"Are you going to get married? Is that the secret that ties your
practised tongue?"

"Not unless you take part in the ceremony."

"Very gallant; and in a vein of humor that is new in my experience
of you. But what have you to tell me, Lucian? Frankly, your
hesitation is becoming ridiculous."

"You have certainly not made matters easier for me, Lydia. Perhaps