"I am going to ask you to refrain from uttering your warning; for two reasons.

First, because Miss Grant is in love with him, and wouldn't listen to you--and wouldn't believe you, if she did listen to you; and secondly because, if I may use a vulgarism quite unfit for your aristocratic ears, you will upset the apple-cart." "Apple-cart!" echoed Lady Gridborough, looking round confusedly.

"What apple-cart?
I thought for the moment we were going to run into something! You mean that you want me not to speak to Celia, to tell her what I know about your precious--Mr.Sydney Black ?" "Green," corrected Reggie, suavely.

"Yes, that's what I want, Lady Gridborough; and I shall be eternally grateful, if you will consent to perform that operation which has hitherto been considered an impossible one to your sex." "Operation!" repeated Lady Gridborough, staring at him.

"What are you talking about now?
What operation ?" "Holding your tongue, dear Lady Gridborough," said Reggie.