Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/43

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
41

comes too close for laughter, it may reflect a little on yourself—at all events on your taste for choosing him.

"Ah, my fair petitioners," said Sir Robert, with great good humour, as they approached; "I see that you are resolved on being revenged by looking too killing. Lord Marchmont, how do you justify to your conscience having married such universal destruction?" Lord Marchmont began a long speech, of which honour, and conviction, and his country's good, were the only words audible; for a fresh party distracted Sir Robert's attention, and Lord Norbourne came to the rescue, and, offering Lady Marchmont his arm, proposed a walk through the grounds. Now this was an agreeable arrangement to all. Miss Churchill cared little who her companion was; and Lord Marchmont's small vanity was flattered by being an escort to a beauty, who, moreover, was a silent, if not an attentive listener; while his wife, besides preferring any company to that of her husband, really liked Lord Norbourne. The last two, however, had each a little motive