"There is nothing distinctive about them. Who remembers a rose or a bunch of field flowers? Half a dozen women have honorable mention and one cannot be told from the other. But a landscape or a story or a striking portrait,--you really must let me try Cecil," glancing at her with rapture. "Oh, there is an article here in the _Art Journal_ on which you must give me an opinion." And flying up, she begins a confusing search. "It is so good to find a kindred soul----" A light tap at the door breaks up the call. It is Jane, who with a true English courtesy says,-- "If you please, Mr. Grandon, Miss Laura sent me to say that Mr. Delancy has come." Floyd has been so amused with Marcia that he goes rather reluctantly, and finds his sister's betrothed in the drawing-room, quite at home with Madame Lepelletier, though possibly a little dazzled. Arthur Delancy is a blond young man of five or six and twenty, well looking, well dressed, and up in all the usages of "the best society." He greets Mr. Grandon with just the right shade of deference as the elder and a sort of guardian to his _finance_. He pays his respects to Miss Cecil with an air that completely satisfies the little lady, it has the distance about it so congenial to her. "Floyd," Laura says, with a laugh, "that child is intensely English. She has the 'insular pride' we hear so much about." "And English hair and complexion," continues Mr. Delancy; while madame adds her graceful little meed. A very pleasant general conversation ensues, followed by an elegant luncheon, to which Eugene adds a measure of gayety. Afterward the two gentlemen discuss business, and with several references to Laura the bridal day is appointed six weeks hence. The marriage they decide will be in church, and a wedding breakfast at home, quiet, with only a few friends and relatives, and after a week in Canada they will go to Newport. "But how can I ever get ready?" cries Laura in dismay to madame. "Why, I haven't anything! I shall actually wear you out with questions and decisions. Oh, do you realize that you are a perfect godsend?" and she kisses her enthusiastically. "Yes," says Madame Lepelletier, so softly and sweetly that it is like a breath of musical accord. "I will settle myself in the city and you must come to me----" "In the city!" interrupts Laura, with both dismay and incredulity in her tone. "My dearest dear, you will not be allowed to leave Grandon Park, except with myself for keeper, to return as soon as may be." "But I cannot trespass on your hospitality." "Mamma, Floyd, will you come and invite Madame Lepelletier to make a two months' visit? I want her for six full weeks, and then she must have a little rest." They overrule all her delicate scruples, though Mrs. Grandon does it rather against her will. Is it bringing temptation to Floyd's hand, that perhaps might not reach out otherwise!