"But, my dear Miss Nugent, with a high opinion, a great esteem, and
liking his manners and conversation, in such a well-regulated mind as
yours, can there be a better foundation for love?"

"It is an excellent foundation," said she; "but I never went any
farther than the foundation; and, indeed, I never wished to proceed
any farther."

Lord Colambre scarcely dared to ask why; but after some pause he said,
"I don't wish to intrude upon your confidence."

"You cannot intrude upon my confidence; I am ready to give it to
you entirely, frankly; I hesitated only because another person was
concerned. Do you remember, at my aunt's gala, a lady who danced with
Mr. Salisbury?"

"Not in the least."

"A lady with whom you and Mr. Salisbury were talking, just before
supper, in the Turkish tent."

"Not in the least."

"As we went down to supper, you told me you had had a delightful
conversation with her; that you thought her a charming woman."

"A charming woman!--I have not the slightest recollection of her."

"And you told me that she and Mr. Salisbury had been praising me _a
l'envie l'une de l'autre_."