Melville gazed blank astonishment at the notion.
'Oh! certainly, too late tonight.

A-hum! I think, madam, you had better not be in too great a hurry to see him.

Repose a little.

Recover your fatigue.' 'Oh!' exclaimed the Countess, with a beam of utter confidence in him, 'I shall be too happy to place myself in your hands--believe me.' This was scarcely more to the taste of the diplomatist.

He put up his mouth, and said, blandly: 'I fear--you know, madam, I must warn you beforehand--I, personally, am but an insignificant unit over here, you know; I, personally, can't guarantee much assistance to you--not positive.