"I'm sure I shall be very glad to help you in such a trifling matter.

But I do not want any of your soft speeches, Frank! Keep them for somebody else who will appreciate them better;" and she laughed her cheery, merry laugh, wishing me good-night and sending me home much easier in my mind and happier than I had been for many days past.
On the following afternoon I was introduced, as my old friend had promised; and you may be certain that I tried to make myself as agreeable as I could be to Min's mother.

I think I succeeded, too; for, when I took my leave early, in order to allow Miss Pimpernell and her visitor an opportunity of discussing the best way of relieving the parish poor, Mrs Clyde gave me an invitation.
"Mr Lorton," said she, "I should be glad if you would come round and see us on Wednesday evening--I think you know our address?
My daughter is going to have a few friends in for a little music; and we shall both be happy if you will join us.

Miss Pimpernell tells me you are very musical." "With great pleasure," I answered, in society's stock phraseology.

With the "greatest" pleasure, I might have said, as I could almost have jumped for joy.