"But then all the _éclat_ of a conquest would be gone," suggested Lucy, "if there were no talking beforehand. I assure you, last year, there were I do not know how many half offers in our family. Selina and I used to walk round the Crescent and count them all up, and they helped us through the dull weather amazingly; something like the nibbling of a trout, which just serves to keep up the hope of ultimately catching one. Mamma talks a great deal about Caroline's beauty, and her charming spirits--but she does not know how to sleep for wishing her married. It would be horrible to have her an old maid--so I hope and trust the good Colonel, with, I dare say, Indian guineas, and an Indian face, will take pity on her, and bring her here." "Give me a description of Caroline," said Mabel, suddenly. "Is she not very beautiful and accomplished?" "How you startle me," said Lucy. "Why she is very tall--fine features, people say--she has black hair and black eyes, and dances splendidly--polks to admiration--so very good-natured--and witty before company--and rather the reverse behind the scenes--in short, would do much better for Mrs. Hargrave than for the eldest of four maiden sisters--and so, in all due affection, I should be very glad to see her married." "Is she clever as well as beautiful?" said Mabel. "She sings and plays beautifully. Yes, I believe she is clever--knows French well." Mabel sighed. "I do not know how it is," said Lucy, when after a short silence, they prepared to return to the house, "but I feel you to be quite a friend already. I must love you, whether you will let me or not." "I shall be very glad to have you love me," said Mabel, gently; "but wait till you know me better." "I can never wait and deliberate, when loving is the question," said Lucy; "it is like me; I am always quick in my likes and dislikes--and I feel now as if I could tell you every secret of my heart--I am only nineteen, so such want of consideration is pardonable--is it not, dear Mabel?" "It is not quite safe, perhaps," replied Mabel; "but yet rather easy to forgive, in the present--instance--at least, when I feel myself to be concerned. But if you make me your friend, you must give me the power of an elder sister." "Not like Caroline," said Lucy, with a look of pretended terror. "I shall not let you find fault with Caroline," said Mabel, "that is my first effort of authority; but you have chosen to love me, and you must take my friendship on my own terms." "Well, I think I will take it on any terms. I dare say it will be worth having," said Lucy; "but first, you must seal our friendship with a kiss, and tell me that you love me as much as I do you." "My love is of slower growth," replied Mabel, smiling; "but I promise to deal with you as if I loved you. Will that do?" "I suppose it must," said Lucy. "You are right," said Mabel, kissing her pouting lips, "that must do till we know each other better." CHAPTER V.