h, deeper than that upon the face of Jacques, mantles Philippa's
cheeks as she replies:

"Say I am coming."

"Before you go," says Jacques with odious triumph, "permit me to say,
Madam Philippa, that I begin to see some of the advantages you might
enjoy were you a man."

"What are they, pray--more than I have mentioned?" she says coolly.

"You might have more liberty."

"I said as much."

"You might go and see your friends."

"You repeat my words, sir."

"Yes--you might even go and see us at college; listen to my
philosophical discussions after lecture; and take part in Mowbray's
merry jests--an excellent friend of yours, I think."

Philippa looks at him for a moment, hesitating whether she shall stay
and take her revenge. She decides to go in, however; and Jacques and
Belle-bouche follow. We are bound to say that the proposition did not
come from Jacques.

CHAPTER IV.

A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.

In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.

The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned
cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed
the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his
dreams. Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous
china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered
screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent
eloquence the life of Arcady.

Mowbray was a young man of twenty-five or six, with a high pale
forehead, dark eyes full of thoughtful intelligence; and his dress was
rather that of a student than a man of the world. It was plain and
simple, and all the colors were subdued. He was a man for a woman to
listen to, rather than laugh with. His manner was calm, perfectly
self-possessed, and his mind seemed to be dwelling upon one dominant
idea.

"Good morning, sir," said Philippa, inclining her head indifferently;
"we have a very pleasant day."

Mowbray rose and bowed calmly.

"Yes, madam," he said; "my ride was quite agreeable."

"Any news, sir?"

"None, except a confirmation of those designs of the ministry which
are now causing so much discussion."

"What designs?"

A faint smile passed over Mowbray's calm face.

"Are you quite sure that politics will amuse you?" he said.

"Amuse? no, sir. But you seem to have fallen into the fashionab