ubject of conversation was not precisely calculated to soothe her
spirits. Grandmamma was talking of giving a young party--a New-year's
party on Monday week, the second of January. "It would be pleasant for
the young people," she thought, "if Mary did not think it would be too
much for her."

Beatrice looked despairingly at her aunt, well knowing what her answer
would be, that it would not be at all too much for her, that she should
be very glad to see her former neighbours, and that it would be a great
treat to Henrietta and Fred.

"We will have the carpet up in the dining-room," added Mrs. Langford,
"and Daniels, the carpenter, shall bring his violin, and we can get up a
nice little set for a dance."

"O thank you, grandmamma," cried Henrietta eagerly, as Mrs. Langford
looked at her.

"Poor innocent, you little know!" murmured Queen Bee to herself.

"That is right, Henrietta," said Mrs. Langford, "I like to see young
people like young people, not above a dance now and then,--all in
moderation."

"Above dancing," said grandpapa, who, perhaps, took this as a reflection
on his pet, Queen Bee, "that is what you call being on the high rope,
isn't it?"

Beatrice, though feeling excessively savage, could not help laughing.

"Are you on the high rope, Queenie?" asked Fred, who sat next to her:
"do you despise the light fantastic--?"

"I don't know: I do not mind it much," was all she could bring herself
to say, though she could not venture to be more decidedly ungracious
before her father. "Not much in itself," she added, in a lower tone,
as the conversation grew louder, "it is the people, Philip Carey, and
all,--but hush! listen."

He did so, and heard Careys, Dittons, Evanses, &c., enumerated, and at
each name Beatrice looked gloomier, but she was not observed, for her
Aunt Mary had much to hear about the present state of the families, and
the stream of conversation flowed away from the fete.

The meal was at last concluded, and Beatrice in great haste ordered
Frederick off to Sutton Leigh, with a message to Alex to meet them at
the Church, and bring as much holly as he could, and his great knife.
"Bring him safe," said she, "for if you fail, and prove a corbie
messenger, I promise you worse than the sharpest sting of the most angry
bee."

Away she ran to fetch her bonnet and shawl, while Henrietta walked up
after her, saying she would just fetch her mamma's writing-case down
for her, and then get ready dire