chaffs me
about it.'

'Never mind, my dear; it makes a subject of conversation. But I was
going to tell you that we shall have to start for Brookfield to-morrow.'

'Go to Brookfield! I couldn't possibly leave Dublin yet a while; what
would all my young men do--they'd die of broken hearts!'

'It won't matter much if they do; there aren't a dozen worth two
thousand a year each.'

'No? You are joking, mamma. And the Marquis?'

'That's a secret, dear.'

'Then you don't think he'll propose to me after all; and I gave up
Edward--Captain Hibbert.'

'I thought you had forgotten that horrid man's name. I didn't say, dear,
that the Marquis wouldn't propose to you--of course he will. But we must
leave Dublin to-morrow--I have serious reasons.'

'Oh, mamma, I didn't think you were so cruel, to go back to that hateful
place, where everybody talks of rents, and that odious Land League.'

'Now, I will not allow my darling to cry like that,' exclaimed Mrs.
Barton, and she threw her arms round the girl's shoulders. 'I didn't say
that there wouldn't be a man within seven miles. On the contrary, there
will be one very charming man indeed.'

'What do you mean, mamma?'

'That's a secret--that's a secret.'

Alice was told that she had better come home early that afternoon, so
that she might have plenty of time to pack her own things and help her
sister with hers; and it seemed to her unbelievable that she was at last
leaving that hateful little varnished floor, complimenting old beaux and
young A.D.C.'s.

But if to nobody else, she must say good-bye to May. She had hardly seen
her since the night of the State ball--the night she had given Fred
Scully permission to see her in her room. She found her in the ladies'
drawing-room.

'How do you do, May?'

'Oh, how do you do, Alice? I am so glad to see you. What a dreadful
day!'

'Yes, isn't it? Don't you find it very depressing?'

'I should think I did. I'm feeling rather out of sorts. Do you ever feel
out of sorts? you know, when everything seems as if it were reflected in
a darkened glass? There are times when we girls are nervous and weak,
and ready to quarrel with anyone. I don't know what I wish for now; I
think I should like to go back to the country.'

'We are going back to-morrow morning.'

'You don't say so; and how's that? There are plenty of balls and
afternoon dances. What does Olive say to going home?'

'She doesn't mind. You know mamma always said she wou