Violet has been studying a rather ponderous subject for a ball-room, and she is somewhat elated at having arrived at a conclusion unaided, except by the trifling suggestion Mr. Latimer has thrown out. It was Mr. Murray whom Mr. Grandon had some business with awhile ago; she remembers seeing his name in a letter. His friend went to Europe, and this is the Mr. Haviland they talk about. She can almost guess the rest. How odd if Eugene should marry into the new business house, as his brother married the daughter of a member of the old one. Violet resolves that he shall love her. She is sweet and engaging and quite captivated by him, as is evident by her girlish frankness and admiration. The two go up-stairs together, while the gentlemen indulge in a last cigar. "It was delightful!" Miss Murray says. "Why, I never saw anything really lovelier at Newport, though there is more magnificence. And Mr. Grandon's dancing is perfection. I never enjoyed a partner better. How very handsome he is! I _was_ envied," she cries, with eager delight; "I saw it in the eyes of the other girls. Tell me if you think he is given to flirting; but you know girls _do_ run after such a handsome young fellow! I never should," she declares, naively. "Oh, Miss Brade has asked us to lawn tennis to-morrow, with tea and a little dancing in the evening! And if you want to give _me_ a pleasure," she adds, with a seductive smile, "let it be a German. I do adore Germans." She kisses Violet good night in a sweet, girlish way, and her last thought is of Eugene Grandon's handsome face. CHAPTER XXVI. "And what's the thing beneath the skies We two would most forget?" Lucia Brade comes over the next morning and renews her invitation to the rather impromptu lawn tennis, including Violet. "Of course you will go," decides Miss Murray, persuasively, for she must have some one to keep her in countenance with this attractive young man. It proves rather dull for Violet, though Eugene insists upon giving her a few lessons, and she feels really interested, but she does not want to detach him from Miss Murray. The supper is out of doors and is undeniably gay. Violet obligingly plays most of the evening, accompanied by a violin. She has discussed the German with Lucia, and that evening lays it before her husband. "Of course," he answers, indulgently. "Let it be Tuesday evening. I wish Eugene would attend to it." Eugene is elated at being master of ceremonies. They write invitations,--just a young people's party in honor of Miss Murray. Of course madame must be included. "I don't see why," says Eugene. "I think Mr. Grandon would rather," Violet replies, with a faint touch of entreaty. Miss Murray studies on this problem, and afterwards says privately to Eugene, "If I was Mrs. Grandon I should be jealous of that superb woman. Why, she looks as if she could beguile any one."