Thus thrown, by his friend's indifference, on his own judgment, Dale made up his mind to send the verses,--he could not deny himself the pleasure,--but, half alarmed at his own audacity, which feeling was a new one in him, he "hedged" by inclosing with them a letter of an apologetic character. Miss Delane was not to suppose that he took the liberty of referring to her in the terms of his title: the little copy of verses had merely been suggested by a remark she made. He had failed to find an answer on the spot. Would she pardon him for giving his answer now in this indirect way?--and so forth. The verses, with their accompanying letter, were received by Janet, and Janet had no doubt of what she did feel about them, but some considerable doubt as to what she ought to feel; so she carried them to her mother. Mrs. Delane put on her _pince-nez_ and read the documents in the case. "I'm sure he didn't mean to be--anything but what's nice, mamma," said Janet. "I dare say not, my dear. The question is, whether the young man knows his manners. Let's see." After careful perusal, during which Janet watched her mother's face with some anxiety, Mrs. Delane delivered judgment. "There's no positive harm in them," she said, "and I don't think we need take any actual steps. Still, Janet, he is evidently to be treated with discretion." "How do you mean, mamma?" "Well, he isn't in need of encouragement, is he? He's not backward in making friends." "I suppose not. May I keep them?" "Keep them? Do you want to keep them?" "Not particularly, dear," answered Janet. "I--I thought he meant me to." "No doubt. Write a civil note, dear, thank him for letting you see them, and return them inclosed." Janet was a little reluctant to part with her autograph manuscript,--not because of its pecuniary value, though that was more than a trifle, had she known, but because such things are pleasant possessions to show to envious friends,--but she did as she was told. She did not, however, feel herself bound altogether to smother her pride or to make a secret of the tribute she had received. Tora Smith heard the story with evident amusement, and, thinking that others would share her appreciation of it, relieved the somewhat uphill course of Mrs. Hodge's call by a repetition of it: whereby it happened that Nellie Fane came to know, not only that Dale had written verses to Miss Delane and sent them, but also that Miss Delane had returned the offering. She told Philip the latter fact, and the two ventured to rally the poet on the occurrence. Dale took their action very badly, and his displeasure soon reduced Nellie to apologies. Philip was less sensitive. "D. W. T., by Jove!" he remarked. "Quite like old times, Dale!" Dale muttered something about "infernal chatter." "You will soon be in a position to publish a volume of 'Rejected Addresses.'" "Not at all," said Dale. "It's simply that she didn't understand I meant her to keep them."