Miss Trafford and Lady Nelthorpe were in the room talking with great interest, and, on Miss Trafford's part, with still greater vehemence.
"So handsome," said Lady Nelthorpe, as I approached.
"Are you talking of me ?" said I.
"Oh, you vanity of vanities!" was the answer.

"No, we were speaking of a very romantic adventure which has happened to Miss Trafford and myself, and disputing about the hero of it.

Miss Trafford declares he is frightful; I say that he is beautiful.

Now, you know, Mr.Pelham, as to you--" "There can," interrupted I, "be but one opinion--but the adventure ?" "Is this!" cried Miss Trafford, in a great fright, lest Lady Nelthorpe should, by speaking first, have the pleasure of the narration.--"We were walking, two or three days ago, by the sea-side, picking up shells and talking about the 'Corsair,' when a large fierce--" "Man!" interrupted I.
"No, dog, (renewed Miss Trafford) flew suddenly out of a cave, under a rock, and began growling at dear Lady Nelthorpe and me, in the most savage manner imaginable.

He would certainly have torn us to pieces if a very tall--" "Not so very tall either," said Lady Nelthorpe.
"Dear, how you interrupt one," said Miss Trafford, pettishly; "well, a very short man, then, wrapped up in a cloak--" "In a great coat," drawled Lady Nelthorpe.