BEAUCOURT had prolonged the period appointed for the trial trip of his yacht by a whole week. His apology when he returned delighted the kind-hearted old lady who had made him a present of the vessel.
"There isn't such another yacht in the whole world," he declared.
"I really hadn't the heart to leave that beautiful vessel after only three days experience of her." He burst out with a torrent of technical praises of the yacht, to which his wife listened as attentively as if she really understood what he was talking about. When his breath and his eloquence were exhausted alike, she said, "Now, my dear, it's my turn. I can match your perfect vessel with my perfect lady.""What! you have found a companion?"
"Yes."
"Did **** find her for you?"
"He did indeed. You shall see for yourself how grateful I ought to be to your friend."She opened a door which led into the next room. "Mary, my dear, come and be introduced to my husband."Beaucourt started when he heard the name, and instantly recovered himself. He had forgotten how many Marys there are in the world.
Lady Howel returned, leading her favorite by the hand, and gayly introduced her the moment they entered the room.
"Mrs. Evelin; Lord--"