d Lucy gave Jack Denis a little smile which elevated that gentleman
into upper air.

"Well," said Hoffland, "I suppose then I am to go and find somebody
else--a forlorn young man going to find a lady to take care of him.
Come, Miss Lucy, cannot you recommend some one?"

"Let me see," said Lucy, laughing gleefully; "what acquaintances have
you?"

"Very few; and I would not escort any of those simpering little
damsels usually seen at assemblies."

"What description of damsel do you prefer?" asked Lucy, smiling.

"A fine, spirited, amusing young lady like yourself," said Hoffland;
"the merrier and more ridiculous the better."

"Ridiculous, indeed! Well, sir," said Lucy mischievously, "I think I
have found the very one to suit you."

"Who is it, pray?"

"Miss Philippa----"

"Stop!" cried Hoffland. "I never could bear that name. I am determined
never to court, marry, or even escort a _Philippa_. Dreadful name! And
I hope you won't mention this Miss Philippa Somebody again!"

With which words Hoffland laughed.

"Very well," said Lucy; "suppose you come and amuse me at the
ball--going thither alone?"

"Oh! myself and Mr. Denis will certainly pay our respects to you, Miss
Lucy. But do not expect me until about twelve."

Lucy smiled, and said:

"Do you think the ball will be handsome, Ernest?"

"I think so."

"Well, now, I am going to enslave all hearts. I shall wear my pink
satin."

"Ah!" laughed Mowbray; "that is very interesting to myself and these
gentlemen."

"Well, sir," said Lucy, pretending to be angry, "just as you please;
but you are a very unfeeling brother. Isn't he, Mr. Hoffland?"

"A most unreasonable person, and a disgrace to our sex," said
Hoffland. "To tell a young lady that the manner in which she proposes
appearing at a ball is uninteresting, sounds like Ernest."

Mowbray smiled; the pleasant banter of the boy pleased him, and
diverted his thoughts.

"But Ernest is not such a perfect ogre, Mr. Hoffland," said Lucy; "are
you, Ernest? He is very kind, and is going to spend all day to-morrow
with me."

Mowbray shook his head.

"Now, brother!" said Lucy; "you know you can."

Mowbray hesitated.

"Won't you?"

"Well, yes, Lucy," said Mowbray, smiling; "I can refuse you nothing."

"Good!" cried Hoffland, with the sonorous voice of a man-at-arms;
"when ladies once determine to have their own way, it is nearly
impossible to stop them; is it not, Mr. Denis?"

"I will answer for Mr