"And I danced with you, I remember. I hope you haven't forgotten how. We have dancing parties, as well as tea parties. We are considered quite staid and sober-going people, but we young folks put in a good deal of fun. Bel's engaged, I dare say she told you, and I am the only solitary--shall I call myself a blossom? left on the parent stalk." They both laughed at that. It takes so little to amuse young people. "You'll have to go to one of Lady Washington's receptions, though in the whisper of confidence be it said they are rather stiff. There's the Norris house, that's the place for fun. The Norris girls find so many bright people, and they're not the jealous kind, but they make everybody shine." Then Bel took her off to meet Miss Plumsted. "I'm very glad to see you;" and Miss Plumsted's voice was honestly sweet. "Grandfather goes to play chess with M. de Ronville. He is your guardian, I believe. And now, are you going to live here?" "Oh, no. I am here only on a visit. My parents and all my folks live at Pittsburg." "Oh, that seems way out West. The Ohio River is there, and they go out to St. Louis and down to New Orleans. Is it a real city?" "Not yet, but they are talking about it." Then some one else came. Two or three of the young men dropped in during the evening, and there was some music on a flute and a violin. Altogether it was a very pleasant time, and Arthur Pemberton took her home and asked if he might not have the pleasure of calling occasionally. She hardly knew what was proper. It seemed ungracious to say "no," so she answered that he might. CHAPTER XVI SAINT MARTIN'S SUMMER One of the quiet evenings, the two men were playing chess and Daffodil was watching them; Susan came in and said in her most respectful manner: "A gentleman wishes to see Miss Carrick. Here is his card." Daffodil took it and read, "Archibald Langdale, M.D." "Oh," in a glad, girlish tone, "it's my old friend, Archie, that I haven't seen in ever so long. Dr. Langdale;" with a pretty assumption of dignity. "Yes." "And, uncle, you must see him. Not that I want you to accept him for a family physician, for really I don't know what he is like. He may be the veriest prig;" and she gave a dainty half laugh. "If he is spoiled it will be the fault of your city, he was very nice at Pittsburg. And you, too, Mr. Bartram." "I have met the young man. I didn't see that he was much puffed up with his honors." "Thank you." She made a fascinating courtesy. How pleased she was, he could see that. "We will soon be through with the game. Yes, I'll come," said M. de Ronville.