"If you thought that I would ever marry a man old enough to be my father you did me a shocking injustice!" said Miss Tellaro hotly. "And if you had the amazing impatience to suppose that his rank must make him acceptable to me you insult me beyond all bearing!"
"Softly, my child, I thought neither of those things", said his lordship, slightly amused. "My experience of you led me instead to suppose that you had sent your suitor to me in a spirit of pure mischief. Was that an injustice too?"
Miss Tellaro was a little mollified, but said stiffly, "yes, it was, sir. The Duke of Venice could not believe I meant what I said, and the best I could think of was for you to help me. I was sure you would refuse your consent!"
"I did", said the Earl, taking snuff.
"Then why", demanded Miss Tell
