"Mrs. Crabstock, my lady," said the footman, "is waiting."

"I know, sir," said Lady Frances: "so, Caroline, you won't see the
likeness. Very well; if I can't get a compliment, I must be off. When you
draw a caricature, I won't praise it. Here! Mr. Temple, one look, since you
are dying for it."

"One look will not satisfy me," cried Mr. Temple, seizing the paper: "your
ladyship must leave the drawing with us till to-morrow."

"_Us--must_. Given at our court of St. James's. Lord Oldborough's own
imperative style."

"Imperative! no; humbly I beseech your ladyship, thus humbly," cried Mr.
Temple, kneeling in jest, but keeping in earnest fast hold of the paper.

"But why--why? Are you acquainted with Lady Angelica? I did not know you
knew her."

"It is excellent!--It is admirable!--I cannot let it go. This hand that
seized it long shall hold the prize."

"The man's mad! But don't think I'll give it to you--I would not give it to
my mother: but I'll lend it to you, if you'll tell me honestly why you want
it."

"Honestly--I want to show it to a particular friend, who will be delighted
with it."