"If you are in earnest I feel inclined to gratify you, if not, to punish you, by accepting your invitation." "Do not let us even pretend to be insincere," said Mabel, eagerly, "hypocrisy is so hateful. Take me at my word, and trust me till I break it." "Well, then, so I will; I scarcely know which I like most, to trust or be trusted, both are so pleasant; so, if you are going to do any thing delightful out of doors, like a walk or a nutting expedition, ask us to join you, and we will do the same, so we shall the better be able to amuse our guests. People often require too good a reason for meeting--we will have none." "I will most willingly promise," returned Mabel, "only remember, that on some days mamma feels so low that I never leave her--then you must excuse me, for every thing at home depends on her." "You are quite right to let it be so," said Mr. Ware, "and I will never say a word against such an arrangement. Only tell her we mean to take her by storm some night and come to tea. You shall give it us on the green, and then she can look on without minding our noise." "Mamma will be very glad to see you, I am sure," said Mabel, "if you will only propose it. The effort would do her good." "Very well then, I will tell her when I see her next," said Mr. Ware, with a smile. They had now reached the open window of the sitting-room, where Mabel was welcomed by Miss Ware. "The evening is really quite sultry," said she, "yet the air at this time of day so often gives me cold, that I had not courage to venture out, though I so much wished to join you." "Had I known that, my dear Miss Ware, I should not have been tempted to remain out so long." "No, no, dear child, I am not so selfish, for I know when once you begin to talk to Edwin there is no leaving off; but I hope you have not forgotten your pretty cousin to-night. You promised to bring her with you." "Oh, yes, she is with us," said Mabel, turning round, but no Lucy was to be seen. "Oh, Arthur is taking care of her, I believe," said Mr. Ware, "and they will be here soon, I dare say." It was some little time, however, before they did appear, and then they were seen advancing down the gravel walk, both laughing, and Lucy with a very high colour. "Why," said Mr. Ware, "you stole a march upon us, Arthur, where have you been keeping this young lady in the damp?" "Are we at the chair of confession?" asked the young officer, still laughing. "Yes, yes, every one confesses everything here; but sit down to tea first, and take off your bonnet, Miss Villars." "Well then," said Clair, when they were comfortably seated at the tea-table, "I perceive I must apologise for a very grave offence in keeping Miss Lucy Villars so long absent; the whole crime, I fear, lies with me, I indeed, the scape-goat for every offender, must, I fear, take the blame on myself." "Come, come, Arthur," said his uncle, "be laconic."