"There," said Robertson, looking significantly from Selina to Wynslade, "I told you so--only see her cheeks. No doubt she has overheard all we have been saying." Selina had, indeed, overheard the whole; for notwithstanding the talking of the ladies who were near her, her attention had been the whole time riveted to the conversation that was going on between Robertson and Wynslade. Her first impulse was to quit her seat, to go at once to Robertson, and to explain to him his mistake. But she felt the difficulty of making such an effort in a room full of company, and to the youthful simplicity of her mind that difficulty was enhanced by the want of a cent to put into his hand at the same time. Still, she was so extremely discomfited, that every moment seemed to her an age till she could have an opportunity of undeceiving him. She sat pale and silent till Robertson stepped up and informed her that she seemed quite below par; and Wynslade, who followed him, observed that "Miss Mansel was probably incommoded by the heat of the room." "Oh, yes!" she exclaimed, scarcely conscious of what she was saying; "it is, indeed, too warm--and here is such a crowd--and I am so fatigued--I wish it were eleven o'clock--I wish my father was here to take me home." Both gentlemen at once volunteered their services; but Selina, struck with the idea that during their walk she should have a full opportunity of making her explanation to Mr. Robertson, immediately started up, and said she would avail herself of _his_ offer. Robertson now cast a triumphant glance at Wynslade, who returned it with a look of disgust, and walked away, saying to himself, "What an incomprehensible being is woman!--I begin to despise the whole sex!" Selina then took leave of her hostess, and in a few minutes found herself on her way home with Mr. Robertson. "Mr. Robertson," said she, in a hurried voice, "I have something particular to say to you." "Now it is coming," thought Robertson; "but I will take care not to meet her half way." Then speaking aloud--"It is a fine moonlight evening," said he: "that is probably what you are going to observe." "You are under a serious mistake," continued Selina. "I believe not," pursued Robertson, looking up. "The sky is quite clear, and the moon is at the full." "Nonsense!" exclaimed Selina. "I am fond of moonlight," persisted Robertson; "and I am extremely flattered at your giving me an opportunity of enjoying it with you." Here he stopped short, fearing that he had said too much. "My only motive," said Selina, "for accepting your offer of escorting me home, was that I might have an opportunity of explaining to you." Here she paused. "Take your time, Miss Selina," said Robertson, trying to soften his voice. "I do not wish you to hurry yourself. I can wait very well for the explanation till to-morrow." "No, you shall not," said Selina; "I must make it at once, for I shall be unable to sleep to-night till I have relieved my mind from it."