think of me again--and have
you not kept that resolution?"

"No, madam," said Mowbray, replying by evasion to the last clause of
the sentence.

Philippa pouted.

"Mr. Mowbray," she said, "you are very cold. I believe I have left at
least a dozen gallant wits to give you my whole attention, and you
reply to me in monosyllables."

Mowbray felt his heart wounded by these words, which were uttered
with as much feeling as annoyance, and replied:

"I should not have accepted your proposal, madam; it was selfish. I am
not in very excellent spirits this evening, and fear that I shall not
be able to entertain you. Pardon my dulness."

"No, I will not. You can be just as agreeable as you choose, and you
will not."

Mowbray found himself smiling at these words, and said:

"Perhaps, then, if you will ask me some more questions, madam, I may
reply in something more than monosyllables."

"Well then, sir, are you going to the May-day party at Shadynook?"

"I do not know--yes, I suppose, however. I have promised."

"Then Miss Lucy will wish to have you."

"Yes--well, I shall go."

"I am very glad!" said Philippa.

Mowbray could not explain the happiness he felt: all his coldness and
doubt seemed to be passing away in presence of this young girl, who
gave him such winning smiles, and so obstinately refused to observe
his constraint. He had spoken truly to Hoffland; he was in love, and
he had no longer any command over himself. He banished the thought
that she was playing with his feelings, as soon as it occurred, and
gave himself up to the intoxicating happiness which he experienced in
her presence.

"You will also come to the party, will you not?" he said, smiling.

"Oh, yes!" said Philippa; "they could not very well get on without
me. In the first place, Bel and myself are to get every thing ready; I
mean at Shadynook. As to the invitations, and all the externals, they
are intrusted to that handsome gentleman yonder, who is devouring Bel
with his eyes! Can't you see him?" added Philippa, with a merry laugh;
"poor fellow he is deeply in love----"

"And that you think very ridiculous?"

"Indeed, no. I can imagine no greater compliment, and no larger
happiness, than to be sincerely loved by a true and honest gentleman."

Mowbray looked at her sadly, but with a smile.

"There are very many honest gentlemen," he said.

"Yes, but they do not love everybody," said Philippa; "and that for a
very good reason."

"