"And that was the sketch Hartledon asked you to do for him from the old painting!" "He may do it himself, if he wants it done." "Where is Hartledon ?" "I don't know.

Gone out somewhere." "Has he offended you, or vexed you ?" "Well, he did vex me.

He has just been assuring me with the coolest air that he should never marry; or, at least, not for years and years to come.

He told me to notice what a heap of girls were after him--or their mothers for them--and the fun he had over it, not being a marrying man." "Is that all?
You need not have put yourself in a fatigue, and spoilt your drawing.

Lord Hartledon shall be your husband before six months are over--or reproach me ever afterwards with being a false prophetess and a bungling manager." Maude's brow cleared.