soon be gratified, but not before he returned to France. He expressed
himself in French, and in a few moments she found herself deep in a
discussion with him in that tongue. While she talked, her veins seemed
filled with fire; and she was dimly and automatically aware of the
disturbance about her, as though she were creating a magnetic storm that
interfered with all other communication. Mr. Holt's nightly bezique,
which he played with Susan, did not seem to be going as well as usual,
and elsewhere conversation was a palpable pretence. Mr. Spence, who
was attempting to entertain the two daughters-in-law, was clearly
distrait--if his glances meant anything. Robert and Joshua had not
appeared, and Mrs. Holt, at the far end of the room under the lamp,
regarded Honora from time to time over the edge of the evening
newspaper.

In his capacity as a student of American manners, an unsuspected
if scattered knowledge on Honora's part of that portion of French
literature included between Theophile Gautier and Gyp at once dumfounded
and delighted the Vicomte de Toqueville. And he was curious to know
whether, amongst American young ladies, Miss Leffingwell was the
exception or the rule. Those eyes of his, which had paid to his hostess
a tender respect, snapped when they spoke to our heroine, and presently
he boldly abandoned literature to declare that the fates alone had sent
her to Silverdale at the time of his visit.

It was at this interesting juncture that Mrs. Holt rattled her newspaper
a little louder than usual, arose majestically, and addressed Mrs.
Joshua.

"Annie, perhaps you will play for us," she said, as she crossed the
room, and added to Honora: "I had no idea you spoke French so well, my
dear. What have you and Monsieur de Toqueville been talking about?"

It was the Vicomte who, springing to his feet, replied nimbly:
"Mademoiselle has been teaching me much of the customs of your country."

"And what," inquired Mrs. Holt, "have you been teaching Mademoiselle?"

The Vicomte laughed and shrugged his shoulders expressively.

"Ah, Madame, I wish I were qualified to be her teacher. The education of
American young ladies is truly extraordinary."

"I was about to tell Monsieur de Toqueville," put in Honora, wickedly,
"that he must see your Institution as soon as possible, and the work
your girls are doing."

"Madame," said the Vicomte, after a scarcely perceptible pause, "I await
my opportunity and your kindness."