A man in such circumstances is so often awkward, not knowing with any accuracy when to do one thing and when another! Mr Broune, in a moment of enthusiasm, had put his arm round Lady Carbury's waist and had kissed her.

To say that Lady Carbury was angry, as most women would be angry if so treated, would be to give an unjust idea of her character.

It was a little accident which really carried with it no injury, unless it should be the injury of leading to a rupture between herself and a valuable ally.

No feeling of delicacy was shocked.

What did it matter?
No unpardonable insult had been offered; no harm had been done, if only the dear susceptible old donkey could be made at once to understand that that wasn't the way to go on! Without a flutter, and without a blush, she escaped from his arm, and then made him an excellent little speech.