So you see the handsome, "princely" Hereward was as much in love with our pale, gray-eyed girl as She could possibly be with him.
And so with the young marquis also the season passed slowly and heavily away, until the day came when into his den at the office of the _Liberator_ walked Sir Lemuel Levison.
His heart really beat faster, although it was only her father who entered.
He arose, and placed a chair for his visitor.
"Lord Arondelle, you _know_ I knew you when I met you at Lord P.'s dinner-party, and I saw that you knew me.

It was not my business to interfere with your incognito, and so I met you as you met me--as a stranger.

But surely here and now we may meet as friends without disguise," said the banker, as he slowly sank into his seat.
"We must do so, Sir Lemuel, since we are _tete-a-tete_.

It would be idle and useless to do otherwise," replied the young marquis, courteously.
"And now, my young friend, you are wondering what has brought me here," continued the banker.
"I am at least most grateful to any circumstance that gives me the pleasure of your company, Sir Lemuel," courteously replied the young marquis.
"Well, my lord, I come to beg you to waive ceremony, and go home with me to dinner this evening.

I hope you have no engagement to prevent you from coming," added Sir Lemuel, with more earnestness than the occasion seemed to call for.
"I have no engagement to prevent me," answered the young man frankly, but slowly and thoughtfully, for he was wondering not only at the invitation but at the suddenness and earnestness with which it was given.
"Then I _hope_ you will come ?" said the banker.
"You are very kind, Sir Lemuel.