get a large roll of this."

"No, no--that is my affair; but you must wear something else."

"I? What, pray?"

"Pink: it is the color of youth, and joy, and love--worn by the Graces
and the Naiads, Oreads and Dryads;--the color of the sea-shell, and
the autumn leaves and flowers--something like it at least," Jacques
added, finding himself mounting into the realms of imagination.

Belle-bouche blushed slightly, and turned away. Her eyes fell upon
Mowbray, who bowed.

"Oh, sir, I am very glad to see you," said the cheerful young girl,
holding out her hand; "you must come to our party at Shadynook."

"Madam, I am afraid--" commenced Mowbray, with a bow.

But Belle-bouche interrupted him:

"No! I really will take no refusal! It will be on Thursday, and Aunt
Wimple wishes you to come. I am manageress, and I have masculine
assistance to compel all invited to be with us."

With which words she glanced at Jacques, who saluted Mowbray with a
sad smile.

"And you must bring your sister Lucy, Mr. Mowbray. I am sorry we know
each other so slightly; but I am sure we shall be intimate if she
comes. Do not refuse to bring her now."

Belle-bouche enforced her requests with such a wealth of smiles, that
Mowbray was compelled to yield.

He promised to come, and then suddenly remembered that Philippa would
be there, and almost groaned.

Belle-bouche finished her purchases, and went out.

As she passed Hoffland she dropped her handkerchief. That young
gentleman, however, declined to pick it up and restore it, though the
absent Jacques did not perceive it. Jacques assisted the young girl
into her carriage, pressed her hand with melancholy affection, and
went away sighing.

Mowbray, having procured what Lucy wished, came forth again and was
joined by Hoffland. That gentleman held a magnificent lace
handkerchief in his hand.

"See," he said, "what that languishing little beauty dropped in
passing to her carriage. What a love of a handkerchief!"

"What an odd vocabulary you have collected," said Mowbray, smiling.
"Well, you should have restored it to her, Charles."

"Restored it!"

"Yes."

"Ernest, you astonish me!" cried Hoffland, laughing; "address a young
lady whom I have not the pleasure of knowing?"

"It would be to do her a simple service, and nothing could be more
proper."

"You are a pretty guide for youth, are you not? No, sir! I never
intrude!"

"Suppose this young lady were asleep in a house which was