"Doesn't he? Well, I thought you introduced him just now as the governor, and I fancied some one called him 'Ubbard; that's the governor's name, isn't it?" "No, indeed. That's Pa you are speaking of." "Just so--that is what I said. You call your paternities PA, do you?--we always call the old fellows governors, in England." "Do you call your father Gov. Kockney? I did not know that governor was an English title; it sounds very plebeian in my ears." "Now, what DO you mean? ha! ha!--you are delightful. You put me in mind of a good scene at the drawing-room, last June. Though, perhaps, you don't know what the drawing-room is?" "Oh, yes; I know that it means Court. My tastes are so exclusive, that I may say I have lived in English High-Life from the time I married, and became intimate with Mrs. Bagman. I feel quite at home in such scenes, for I read every novel that comes out with Lords and Ladies in it. What were you going to tell me about Court?" The story was interrupted by Miss Hubbard, who tripped across the room to carry her sister off with her. "Now you are not going, I hope? Why not stay 'ere; I am sure this sofa is the most comfortable thing in the room." "I must go to receive some friends of mine, come over expressly from the city." "Pray, keep me clear of the cits! But now, if you will go, just leave me your bouquet as a a consolation. Thank you.--Oh, yes, I'll take good care of it." "I hope you will, for it's a ten dollar bouquet, and I'm very proud of it. You must not steal a single flower, mind." "Mustn't I?--Do you dare me?" and the agreeable Captain began to pull out several flowers. Mrs. Hilson, however, was hurried away. Mr. Taylor, Mr. Hubbard, and Alonzo moved towards the sofa where she had been sitting. "Do you think that Stewart will be chosen President of the Franklin Insurance?" inquired Mr. Hubbard. "I think not, sir--he rather mismanaged the affairs of the Hoboken Bank. Lippincott will be the President, I take it. He has magnificent talents for business. You know he has purchased the thirty lots in 50th street, that were sold at auction, yesterday." "A good purchase, I should say." "How's the Hoboken stock now?" inquired Alonzo. A murmuring about 'five per cent.'--'six per cent.'--'par'--'premium,' followed, and was only interrupted by the approach of young Van Horne and Elinor. "I beg your pardon, Miss Wyllys," said Mr. Hubbard, making room for her. "Oh, yes, Mr. Van Horne, here is a place for you, and another couple besides. Whom are you looking for?" "Charles Hubbard, sir; I want him for a vis-a-vis." "Charlie is already placed, I see; but here is a gentleman; perhaps you would like to dance, sir?"--addressing Captain Kockney, who was still in possession of the sofa and the flowers. "I hope my daughter has introduced you to some of the young ladies." "Now, really; if I am to dance, I prefer Mrs. 'Ilson."