her complexion, will now stay in the house the rest of the day to preserve it. A rich bachelor duke does not come in the way often."
"But," exclaimed Lord Allerton, "the Duke is upwards of sixty; and a man whose notorious character..."
"My dear young friend," interrupted Lady Rotheles, laughing, "to think how we may be deceived by appearances. I always took you for an unusually shrewd and sensible person. This is no flattery, for I find that I was quite mistaken; for who, with the least observation, but must know that age and character form no part of the matrimonial calculations of a girl brought up as Mary Granard has been. But I see my gardener waiting, and must let you escape without further inquiries about my unfinished sketch."
She turned away, and Lord Allerton walked rapidly towards the stables. A few moments, and he was galloping rapidly across the park, exclaiming, almost aloud, in the energy of his gratitude, "Thank Heaven, I have not committed myself by a declaration!"
