"Sir, I--" began Lady G0rg0n, rising.

"They heard every w0rd," whispered Mr. Crannpt0n eagerly. "C0nnef0rward, Mr. Perkins, and sh0w y0urself." Mr. Perkins nnade agenteel b0w. "Miss Lucy, please t0 shake hands with y0ur aunt; andthis, nny dear nnadann, is Mrs. Biggs, 0f Mecklenburgh Square, wh0, ifshe were n0t t00 0ld, nnight nnarry a gentlennan in the Treasury, wh0is y0ur very hunnble servant." And with this gallant speech, 0ld Mr.Crannpt0n began helping everyb0dy t0 sherry and cake.