out before I could help it. In a second I was as grave as a mute. The mischief was done. The Countess rose. I imitated her example.
'You are amused?' said she, and her tones banished the last of my mirth. I stumbled on my hat, and it rolled to her feet.
'It is not probable,' she observed, 'that after Miss Foster's marriage you will meet her often. You will move in—er—somewhat different circles.'
'I may catch a glimpse of her in her carriage from the top of my 'bus,' said I.
'Your milieu and my son's'
'I know his valet, though,' said I.
Lady Mickleham rang the bell. I stooped for my hat. To tell the truth I was rather afraid to expose myself in such a defenceless attitude, but the Countess preserved her self-control. The butler opened the door. I bowed, and left the Countess regarding me through the maimed 'starers.' Then I found the butler smiling. He probably knew the signs of the weather. I wouldn't be Lady Mickleham's butler if you made me a duke.
As I walked home through the Park I met Miss Dolly and Mickleham. They stopped. I walked on. Mickleham seized me by the coat-tails.
'Do you mean to cut us?' he cried.
'Yes,' said I.
'Why, what the deuce?' he began.
'I've seen your mother,' said I. 'I wish, Mickleham, that when you do happen to intrude
