ainly did not take your visit to
myself."

"My visit certainly was not meant for anyone else."

"Ben," said Mr. Graham, approaching rather abruptly, and taking part in
the conversation, "are you fond of gardening? I thought I heard you just
now speaking of roses?"

"Yes, sir; Miss Flint and I were having quite a discussion upon
flowers--roses especially."

Gertrude, availing herself of Mr. Graham's approach, tried to escape and
join the ladies at the sofa; but Mr. Bruce, who had risen on Mr.
Graham's addressing him, saw her intention, and frustrated it by placing
himself in the way, so that she could not pass him without positive
rudeness. Mr. Graham continued, "I propose placing a small fountain in
the vicinity of Miss Flint's flower garden; won't you walk down with me,
and give your opinion of my plan?"

"Isn't it too dark, sir, to----"

"No, no, not at all; there is ample light for our purpose. This way, if
you please;" and Mr. Bruce was compelled to follow where Mr. Graham led,
though, in spite of his acquaintance with Paris manners, he made a wry
face, and shook his head menacingly.

Gertrude was now permitted to relate to Mrs. Bruce the results of the
shopping which she had undertaken on her account, and display the
buttons, which proved very satisfactory. The gentlemen, soon returning,
took seats near the sofa, and the conversation became general.

"Mr. Graham," said Mrs. Bruce, "I have been asking Emily about your
visit to the south; and I think it will be a charming trip."

"I hope so, madame; it will be an excellent thing for Emily, and as
Gertrude has never travelled, I anticipate a great deal of pleasure for
her."

"Ah! then you are to be of the party, Miss Flint?"

"Of course," said Mr. Graham, without giving Gertrude a chance to speak
for herself; "we depend upon Gertrude; couldn't get along without her."

"It will be delightful for you," continued Mrs. Bruce, her eyes still
fixed on Gertrude.

"I did expect to go with Mr. and Miss Graham," answered Gertrude, "and
looked forward to the journey with the greatest eagerness; but I have
just decided that I must remain in Boston this winter."

"What are you talking about, Gertrude?" asked Mr. Graham. "What do you
mean? This is all news to me."

"And to me, too, sir, or I should have informed you of it before. I
supposed you expected me to accompany you, and there is nothing I should
like so much. I should have told you before of the circumsta