inning to talk politics, and soon
you will be rattling the stamp act and navigation laws in my ears,
like two pebbles shaken together in the hand. Enough! Be happy while
you may, I say again, and forget your theories. Ah! there is my
friend, Mrs. Wimple, and her charming niece. Good evening, madam."

And his Excellency made a courtly bow to Aunt Wimple, who was
resplendent in a head-dress which towered aloft like a helmet.

And passing on, the Governor smiled upon Miss Belle-bouche, and
saluted Jacques.

On former occasions we have attempted to describe the costume of this
latter gentleman; on the present occasion we shall not. It is enough
to say that the large tulip bed at Shadynook seemed to have left that
domain and entered the ball-room of the Raleigh, with the lady who
attended to them.

This was Belle-bouche, as we have said; and the tender languishing
face of the little beauty was full of joy at the bright scene.

As for poor Jacques, he was oceans deep in love, and scarcely looked
at any other lady in the room. This caused much amusement among his
friends who were looking at him; but what does a lover care for
laughter?

"Ah!" he says, "a truly Arcadian scene! Methinks the Muses and the
Graces have become civilized, and assembled here to dance the minuet.
You will have a delightful evening."

"Oh, I'm sure I shall!" says Belle-bouche, smiling.

"And I shall, because I am with you."

With which words, Jacques smiles and sighs; and his watchful friends
follow his eyes, and laugh more loudly than ever.

They say to him afterwards: "Well, old fellow, the way you were sweet
upon your lady-love on that occasion, was a sin! You almost ate her up
with your eyes, and at one time you looked as if you were going to
dissolve into a sigh, or melt into a smile. At any rate, you are
gone--go on!"

Belle-bouche receives the tender compliments of Jacques with a
flitting blush, and says, in order to divert him from the subject of
herself:

"There is Mr. Mowbray, entering with his sister Lucy. She is very
sweet----"

"But not----"

"And must be at our May-day," adds Belle-bouche, quickly. "Good
evening, Mr. Mowbray and Miss Lucy; I wanted to see you." With which
words Belle-bouche gives her hand to Lucy. "You must come to our
May-day at Shadynook;--promise now. Mr. Mowbray delivered my message?"

"Yes; and I will certainly come--if Ernest will take me," says Lucy,
smiling.

The pale face of Mowbray is lit u