“‘How do you know that? How do you know he is very fond of her?’ Miss Elliston asked, quickly; and I saw in a moment she was jealous of you. And when Lady Fairfax told of her call when you were sick, and of his devotion to you, and added, ‘He will undoubtedly expect her to live with you when you are married,’ she gave another shoulder shrug and said: “‘_Cela depend._ I have not married him yet, and, if I should, I do not propose marrying his entire family. This girl is not of the Gordon blood.’ “What more they would have said I do not know, for just then some dancers came out to cool themselves, and behind them Mr. Gordon, looking for Lucy, who took his arm with such a sweet smile and air of possession, and I heard her say to him: “‘Lady Fairfax has been telling me such nice things about your cousin. I wish you would bring her to see me; I am so busy and have so many engagements, I think she might waive ceremony with me.’” “What did Tom reply?” I asked, and Mrs. Trevyllan said: “I did not hear his answer; but, mark my words, she’ll make a fool of him, and he will be asking you to call on her. But don’t you do it, and don’t you live with them either.” “I never shall,” was my answer; and as Tom’s step was heard in the hall just then, Mrs. Trevyllan left me to receive his visit alone. He looked tired and ennuied, and was absentminded and moody for him, while I, too, was very reticent, and never once mentioned the party until he said: “I met Mrs. Trevyllan as I came up. She told you about the party last night, I suppose.” “Yes,” I answered, and he continued: “What did she say of Miss Elliston? They are old friends, I believe.” “Yes: they knew each other in Ireland. She said she was very pretty and stylish, and so lovely last night in white, with blush roses——” “Yes,” Tom replied, evidently wishing to hear something more. “And she said everybody was talking of you, and what a fine-looking couple you were.” “Yes,” and this time the yes rang out rather sharply, but brought no response from me. I had told him all I had to tell him of Miss Elliston, and, after waiting a few moments, he began himself: “Miss Elliston it a very handsome girl, with fine manners and style. She is considered a great catch, I believe. Would you like to see her—that is, enough to call on her with me when you are able? She asked me to bring you, as her time is so fully occupied. Will you go?” “No, Tom, I’d rather not. I’d do much to please you, but not that. It is her place to call on me, if she cares to know me.” I said this faintly, and with tears gathering in my eyes, and a horrid feeling of loneliness gathering in my heart.