m again. We had quite a little 'salon' last night."

"I must take your word for his attractive qualities," said Jack, as his
brow contracted and his face grew darker. "I thought your brother rather
stood aloof from Mr. Long-worth. I was scarcely prepared to hear of his
inviting him here."

"So he did; but he found him so different from what he expected--so
quiet, so well-bred, that George, who always is in a hurry to make an
'amende' when he thinks he has wronged any one, actually rushed into
acquaintance with him at once."

"And his sister Julia," asked Jack, with a look of impertinent irony,
"was she, too, as impulsive in her friendship?"

"I think pretty much the same."

"It must have been a charming party."

"I flatter myself it was. They stayed till midnight; and M. Pracontal
declared he'd break his other leg to-morrow if it would ensure him
another such evening in his convalescence."

"Fulsome rascal! I protest it lowers my opinion of women altogether
when I think these are the fellows that always meet their favor."

"Women would be very ungrateful if they did not like the people who
try to please them. Now, certainly, as a rule, Jack, you will admit
foreigners are somewhat more eager about this than you gentlemen of
England."

"I have about as much of this as I am likely to bear well from my
distinguished stepmother," said he, roughly, "so don't push my patience
further."

"What do you say to our little 'salon' now?" said she. "Have you ever
seen ferns and variegated ivy disposed more tastefully?"

"I wish--I wish"--stammered he out, and then seemed unable to go on.

"And what do you wish?"

"I suppose I must not say it. You might feel offended besides."

"Not a bit, Jack. I am sure it never could be your intention to offend
me, and a mere blunder could not do so."

"Well, I 'll go round and tell you what it is I wish," and with this
he entered the house and passed on into the drawing-room, and taking
his place at one side of the fire, while she stood at the other, said
seriously, "I was wishing, Julia, that you were less of a coquette."

"You don't mean that?" said she, roguishly, dropping her long
eyelashes, as she looked down immediately after.

"I mean it seriously, Julia. It is your one fault; but it is an immense
one."

"My dear Jack," said she, very gravely, "you men are such churls that
you are never grateful for any attempts to please you except they be
limited strictly to yourselv