"Do you think so? Well, so do I; that is, I know he can interest one. He has been almost everywhere, and he tells things rather pleasantly." Before they could go any further, Vivian Darnley, turning from the window toward the two young ladies, said--"I've just been saying that we must try to persuade Lady May to get up that party to the Derby." "I can place a drag at her disposal," said Mr. Longcluse. "And a splendid team--I saw them," threw in Darnley. "There's nothing I should like so much," said Alice. "I've never been to the Derby. What do you say, Grace? Can you manage Uncle David?" "I'll try," said the young lady gaily. "We must all set upon Lady May," said Alice. "She is so good-natured, she can't resist us." "Suppose we begin now?" suggested Darnley. "Hadn't we better wait till we have her quite to ourselves? Who knows what your papa and your uncle might say?" said Grace Maubray, turning to Alice. "I vote for saying nothing to them until Lady May has settled, and then they must only submit." "I agree with you quite," said Alice laughing. "Sage advice!" said Mr. Longcluse, with a smile; "and there's time enough to choose a favourable moment. It comes off exactly ten days from this." "Oh, anything might be done in ten days," said Grace. "I'm sorry it is so far away." "Yes, a great deal might be done in ten days; and a great deal might happen in ten days," said Longcluse, listlessly looking down at the floor--"a great deal might happen." He thought he saw Miss Arden's eye turned upon him, curiously and quickly, as he uttered this common-place speech, which was yet a little odd. "In this busy world, Miss Arden, there is no such thing as quiet, and no one acts without imposing on other people the necessity for action," said Mr. Longcluse; "and I believe that often the greatest changes in life are the least anticipated by those who seem to bring them about spontaneously." At this moment, dinner being announced, the little party transferred itself to the dining-room, and Miss Arden found herself between Mr. Longcluse and Uncle David. CHAPTER XVIII. THE PARTY IN THE DINING-ROOM. And now, all being seated, began the talk and business of dinner. "I believe," said Mr. Longcluse, with a laugh, "I am growing metaphysical." "Well, shall I confess, Mr. Longcluse, you do sometimes say things that are, I fear, a little too wise for my poor comprehension?"