“She suspects something; then that is a sign she has her own designs on Lucy. Hum! no. If she had, she would not have invited me to her house. She invited me directly and cheerfully--!” Mrs. Bazalgette walked and sat with an arm round Lucy's waist, and told her seven times before dinner how happy she was at the prospect of a quiet week with her. In the evening she yawned eleven times. Next day she asked Lucy who was coming to dinner. “Nobody, dear.” “Nobody at all?” “I thought you would perhaps not care to have our tete-a-tete interrupted yet.” “Oh, but I should like to explore the natives too.” “I will give uncle a hint, dear.” The hint was given very delicately, but the malicious senior had a perverse construction ready immediately. “So this is her mighty affection for you. Can't get through two days without strangers.” “Uncle,” said Lucy, imploringly, “she is so used to society, and she has me all day; we ought to give her some little amusement at night.” “Well, I can't make up parties now; my friends are all in London. She only wants something to flirt with. Send for David Dodd.” “What, for her to flirt with?” “Yes; he is a handsome fellow; he will serve her turn.” “For shame, uncle; what would Mr. Bazalgette say? Poor aunt, she is a coquette now.” “And has been this twenty years.” “Now I was thinking--Mr. Talboys?” “Talboys is not at home; she must be content with lower game. She shall bring down David.” Lucy hesitated. “I don't think she will like Mr. Dodd, and I am sure he will not like her.” “How can you know that?” “He is so honest. He will not understand a woman of the world and her little in--sin--No, I don't mean that.” “Well, if he does not understand her he may like her.” “Aunt, he has made me ask the Dodds to tea, and I am afraid you will not like them.” “Well, if I don't we must try some more natives to-morrow. Who are they?” Lucy told her. “Pretty people to ask to meet me,” said she, loftily. This scorn dissolved in course of the evening. Lucy, anxious her guests should be pleased with one another, drew the Dodds out, especially David--made him spin a yarn. With this and his good looks he so pleased Mrs. Bazalgette that it was the last yarn he ever span during her stay. She took a fancy to him, and set herself to captivate him with sprightly ardor. David received her advances politely, but a little coldly. The lady was very agreeable, but she kept him from Lucy; he hardly got three words with her all the evening. As they went home together, Eve sneered: “Well, you managed nicely; it was your business to make friends with that lady.” “With all my heart.” “Then why didn't you do what she bid you?” “She gave me no orders that I heard,” said the literal first mate. “She gave you a plain hint, though.” “To do what?” “To do what? stupid! Why, to make love to her, to be sure.” “Why, she is a married woman?” “If she chooses to forget that, is it your business to remember it?”