"Bai Jove, there, don't be in such a hurry; don't you see what a confounded mess I'm in? There, now, hold Finette, while I look at the catalogue. Let me see, ah! yaas! Number 369. `Dandy of the days of Charles II.' Bai Jove, ah! very fair indeed. Pity that style of dress don't come in again." "Squea-eek, squea-eek, squea-eek" went the leg, as the admirers of the cavalier passed slowly on; while, as they mingled with the throng, a long pent-up breath escaped from Charley Vining's breast, and apparently greatly relieved, he exclaimed aloud: "Poor devil!" "Pray take me out, Charley," whispered Ella; and for the first time he noticed her pallor. "Take you out? to be sure!" he cried, as he tenderly drew her hand farther through his arm. "Really, though, for a moment or two, I felt as if I could have wrung his neck." "Charley, dear husband!" whispered Ella; for at that moment there was again the sound of the leg, and Charley's breast began to swell and his eyes to flash. "All right, little one, take me away," he said, smiling; "for I feel like a big dog scenting a rat. But there, my own, I'm frightening you; come along." He drew her rapidly away towards the entrance, her breath coming more freely at every step; but not so fast but that they caught another glimpse of the lady and gentleman, standing in rapt attention before a fresh picture, and at the same moment heard, in tones that seemed as if they were expressive of profound admiration: "Bai Jove!" But that was the last time they ever saw Max Bray. Volume 3, Chapter XXVIII. HOME. A week after, Charley and Ella were in the hall, and about to leave their house, when there was a summons at the door, and they retreated to the drawing-room. "Mr and Mrs Hugh Lingon," announced the butler the next minute; and a fair fat young man entered, with a tall handsome lady, who threw back her mantle, and rushed at Ella, to clasp her in her arms, kissing and sobbing over her for a minute, before darting away, rushing at Charley Vining, throwing her arms round his neck, and kissing him with a loud smack. "There! I forgot!" she exclaimed the next moment, half laughing, half crying; "but you won't mind, dear Hugh, it's only old Charley Vining, whom I've loved ever since I was a tiny girl. But my own dear, dear, darling Miss Bedford--for I can't ever call you anything else--I am so, so, so glad to see you again. And we were only married yesterday, and I wouldn't go anywhere else till Hugh brought me to see you both. And you will love me still, won't you?" As she spoke she threw herself on the carpet at Ella's feet, clasping her round the waist, and nestling closely to her, and in spite of every effort, insisting upon staying there till they left. There was no going out that day; for London ceremony had to be set aside for country hospitality, and it was late when the Lingons left, to start the next morning for Paris; as quaint, but as amiable and happy a couple as ever the sun shone upon.