injunctions to be silent, the incantation progressed, we are bound in truth to state, with no definite result. Perhaps the spell was broken by the bursts of laughter that greeted the pompous butler’s face of consternation, as, entering the room to remove cups, etc., he found the smartly-dressed party so strangely employed. Well-bred servants never betray the slightest marks of emotion or astonishment, though we fancy their self-command is sometimes severely put to the test. But “turning the tables” was too much for the major-domo, and he was obliged to make his exit in a paroxysm of unseemly mirth. Then came a round game of forfeits--then music--then dancing, the ladies playing by turns--then somebody found out the night was pouring with rain, and the General declared it would be sure to clear in an hour or so, and nobody must go away till after supper. So supper appeared and more champagne; and even Lady Mount Helicon was ready to do anything to oblige, so, being a fine musician, she volunteered to play “The Coquette.” A chair was placed in the middle of the room, and everybody danced, the General and all. Blanche laughed till she cried; and there was but one feeling of regret when the announcement of her ladyship’s carriage broke up the party, just at the moment when, in accordance with the rules of the dance, Charlie sank upon one knee before the Coquette’s chair, occupied by stately Mrs. Delaval. He looked like a young knight prostrate before the Queen of Beauty. When Blanche laid her head upon her pillow, she thought over all her uncle’s guests in succession, and decided not one was to be compared to Cousin Charlie; and none was half so agreeable as Mr. Hardingstone. Mary Delaval, on the contrary, scarcely gave a thought to Captain Lacquers, Sir Ascot Uppercrust, Captain Laurel, or even Mr. Gotobed, who had paid her great attention. No, even as she closed her eyes she was haunted by a young upturned face, with fair open brow and a slight moustache--do what she would, she saw it still. She was, besides, a little distracted about the loss of one of her gloves--a white one, with velvet round the wrist--what could have become of it? CHAPTER VII BOOT AND SADDLE “THE GRAND MILITARY”--SPORT, BUT NOT PLEASURE--WARLIKE ADVANCES--SOME OF ALL SORTS--AN EQUESTRIAN FEAT--THEY’RE OFF--RIDING TO WIN--FOLLOW-MY-LEADER--WELL OVER AND WELL IN--HOME IN A HURRY--A CLOSE RACE--THE HEIRESS WITH MANY FRIENDS--A DAY’S AMUSEMENT