These revived his spirits, and made him recognize what he was--Mr.Ascott, of Russell Square, addressing himself in the character of a benevolent patron to the Leaf family.
"Glad to see you, Miss.

Long time since we met--neither of us so young as we have been--but you do wear well, I must say." Miss Selina drew back; she was within an inch of being highly offended, when she too happened to catch a glimpse of the carriage and horses.

So she sat down and entered into conversation with him; and when she liked, nobody could be more polite and agreeable than Miss Selina.

So it happened that the handsome equipage crawled round and round the Crescent, or stood pawing the silent Sunday street before No.

15, for very nearly an hour, even till Hilary came home.
It was vexatious to have to make excuses for Ascott: particularly as his godfather said with a laugh, that "young fellows would be young fellows," they needn't expect to see the lad till midnight, or till to-morrow morning.
But though in this, and other things, he somewhat annoyed the ladies from Stowbury, no one could say he was not civil to them--exceedingly civil.