rather dismayed at her position, and her fingers trembled a little over their work. There was a breath-a sudden entering current-of antago

is favorite orchid. "She is like her mother; there is just the same quiet

y Fitzroy there to talk of the Challoners, but to admire his orchids. Then he shot another gl

about Dick's prospects. I was talking to his mother about them the other da

ind her fan. She liked Dick well enough, as every one else did, but she was not partial t

not speak their language or lead their life; their manners and custo

abbled in trade,-actually trade,-such a one might be a very worthy man, an excellent citizen, an exempl

ple. I should wish to be neighborly, but I cannot bring myself to be familiar with these Maynes;" which was perh

slight yawn behind her fan, but speaking in a fatigued voic

r so much; but when one has only a single hope-eh, L

ousness. "Oldfield is rich in pretty girls:" and she cast another appr

particular push in him; he has money, you say,-yes, but not enough to give him the standing I want him to have. I am ambitious for Dick. I want him to settle in life well

understand why her host was treating her to this outburst of confidence. "It was so disagreeable to be mixed up with this sort of thing," as she told her husb

ment, and she heard Mr. Mayne's answer distinctly: "Well, not an heiress exactly; but the girl I have in view for him has a pretty little sum of money, and the connection is all tha

n the lawn rather discontentedly,

said, holding out his hand to her with h

k." She spoke a little ungraciously, and Dick's face wore a look

died out of her eyes, and her cheeks were flaming. Should he follow her and have it out with her, t

r you call that flimsy manufacture. Come along, there's a goo

ed; the poor girl felt a sudden quenching of her b

and to recall him to a sense of his duty. Not for worlds woul

arily what had taken it out of her so much. And then she recalled,

ner had somewhat changed to her, and several times he had spoken to her in a carping, fault-find

and Dick's father had his. So she bore herself very sweetly towards him, treating his caustic remarks as jokes, and laughing pleasantly at them, never taking his hints in earnest; he would know better some day, that was all; but she had no idea of any deeply-laid pl

taking little body.' Who was this mysterious person whom he had in view, whose connections were so desirable, who was to be Dick's future

tle gasp. It was all clear to her now, all these cut-and

pproving eyes. Perhaps "the bright, taking little body" might accompany them to Switzerland; perhaps among the mountains Dick would forget her, and lend a

o with me? Let them settle it between them,-money-bags and all. Dick is Dick, and after all, I am not afraid!" And Nan marched back to the company, with her

ance again with Dick: she sent the poor boy away from her with

d have been waltzing ever so lo

I will not have you neglect your duties. Go and ask her this moment, sir!" And Nan smiled in his face in the most bewitching way, and gave a little flutter

last moment Nan

" she whispered, as she passed

sort of response; nevertheless Nan found him out on the grav

erly, and took Dick's arm, in cheerf

anaged; every one says so: even Lady Fitzroy was pleased, and her ladyship is a trifle fastidious. Have the band in-doors, and set them to dancing,-

e slowest affair to me, I assure you, and I am thankful it is over. You have spoiled the

arden of Glen Cottage by this time, and Dick was fiercely marching her 39 down a side-path that led to the kitchen. The hall door stood open. Cathcart and Hamilton were ch

d Nan, lifting her bright eyes wi

h me? and you gave Hamilton three valses. It was not like you, Nan, to treat me so,-and on my birthday too," w

pat. "I would rather have danced with you than Mr. Hamilton, though he does

val Hamilton," began Dick h

lic man to-day; the eyes of the county were upon you. You had to pay court to the big ladies, and to take no notice of poor little me. I sent y

Nan, and not with that goose of

goose for all that: he is mo

a most estimable young man and vastly his superior. "Why are you laughing, when you know I hate prigs? and Hamilton

to peep between the lilac-bushes, but failing to d

Dick; the lord of the evening was still too sore and humiliated

ake merry at a fellow's expense. You are taking Hamilton's part against me, Nan,-I, who am your oldest friend, who have

e faltered a little; she w

he change of key, and went

ot made it my first duty to look after you as long as I can remember? Though th

ot listen to you; your father would not like it." The words were sweet to her,-precious beyond everyt

uddenly quenched in light-pealing laughter. At this critical moment they were met and surrounded; before them was the red glow of Cathcart's cigar, the whitene

had no idea of the sport she was spoiling. None of the young people thought

qual to the occasion; she was still palpitating a little with the pleas

on us like that! Dick and I were having a quarrel;

ar. He was a handsome dark-eyed boy, with no special individuality, except an over

himself. "I am the captive of her spear and of her bo

amilton said, "Bravo, Miss Challoner! we will help to drag him

e porch. Dick's strong grip of the hand conveyed his meaning full

f him. Dick is Dick," thought Nan, as

the smoking-room, where his friends awaited him. Mr. Mayne had a great deal t

erved Mrs. Mayne, when the son and heir h

e; "but I must say those Challoner girls made themselves far too con