, who, the sooth to say, did not seem
ill-disposed to get rid of Jacques.

Poor Jacques, therefore, made an unsuccessful attempt to engage
Philippa in conversation. This failing--for Philippa was watching
Mowbray disappearing toward Williamsburg--the melancholy Jacques made
friends with the lap-dog, who at first was propitious, but ended by
snapping at his fingers.

"A delightful day, my dear madam," he said to Philippa, once more
endeavoring to open an account current of conversation.

Philippa, with bent brows, made no reply.

"The birds are having a charming time, it seems."

Poor Jacques! Philippa is buried in thought, and with her eyes fixed
on the receding horseman, does not hear him.

"You seem preoccupied, madam," he said.

"Yes, a charming day, sir," she said, rising; "did you say it was
pleasant? I agree with you. If I dared!" she added to herself, "if I
only dared! But what do I not dare!"

And she abruptly left the room, to the profound astonishment of
Jacques, who sat gazing after her with wide-extended eyes.

"I told you he was in love with her, my dear Miss Belle-bouche, since
you say that will in future be your name--it is either with you or
Madam Philippa."

These words were uttered in a confidential whisper to Belle-bouche by
Sir Asinus, who was leaning forward gracefully in a tall carven-backed
chair toward his companion, who reposed luxuriously upon an ottoman
covered with damask, and ornamented _quoad_ the legs with satyr heads.

Belle-bouche suffered her glance to follow that of her companion.
Jacques was indeed, as we have said, gazing after the lady who had
just departed, and for this purpose had opened his eyes to their
greatest possible width. He resembled a china mandarin in the costume
of Louis Quatorze.

"Am I mistaken?" said Sir Asinus.

Belle-bouche sighed.

"A plain case: he is even now saying to himself, my dear Miss
Belle-bouche,

'Quis desiderio sit pudor aut modus
Jam cari capitis----'

which means, 'How can I make up my mind to see you go up stairs?'"

Belle-bouche cast a tender glance at Jacques. Sir Asinus continued:

"Yes, yes, I see you pity him. But you should pity me."

"Why?"

"Your watch-paper--you remember; the one which you cut for me?"

"Yes."

"Well, last night I placed my watch on my window--before retiring, you
know; and in the night," continued Sir Asinus, "it commenced
raining----"

"That was last night?"

"Yes, Madam Belle-