"I don't think so; she rather gave me the impression that she looked down upon me, as though I were foolish and not worth much consideration." "Don't be uncharitable, Phyllis; she could not think anything so absurd. Besides, she told me herself one day she liked you immensely--hoped you and she would be tremendous friends, and so on. Blanche is too good-natured to treat any one as you say." "Perhaps so. But, really, now, Marmaduke--seriously, I mean--would you not wish me to be older? Say twenty-five or so, with a little more knowledge of everything, you know? And, in fact, I mean would it not be better if I were more a woman of the world?" "Oh, horror of horrors!" cries 'Duke, raising his, hands in affected terror. "How can you suggest anything so cruel! If I were married to a fashionable woman I would either cut and run, or commit suicide in six months." "Then you really think me---" I hesitate. "A veritable little goose. No, no!--perfection, I mean," seeing me pout. Then suddenly putting his arms round me and drawing me down to him, he whispers, with deep feeling, "Phyllis, my darling, darling girl, don't you know it? Must I tell it you over and over again? Cannot you see every hour of your life how fondly I love you, just for what you are? And _you_, Phyllis, tell me--do _you_---" He stops abruptly and regards me with a curious earnestness for a minute, then, laughing rather constrainedly, puts me gently back from him and goes on: "What other guests shall we name? Mark Gore; would you care for him?" "Yes; I liked what I saw of him. And Dora, Marmaduke." "Dora, of course. And some one to meet her, I suppose? Whom shall we say? I think George Ashurst is an eligible who would just suit her. He is not exactly brilliant, but he is thoroughly good-hearted, and a baronet, with unlimited coin." "I don't think Dora would like him if he is stupid," I say, doubtfully. "Oh, he is not a fool, if you mean that; and he has as many golden charms as would make a duller man clever." "Ah! who is mercenary now?" I say, lifting a finger of conviction. "Am I? You see what comes of marrying a _man_ of the world. Now, had you seen as much life as I have you might be equally unpleasant." "But _I_ don't think you unpleasant, 'Duke." "Don't you? There is consolation to be found in that. And now whom would you like to invite, darling?" "I would like Billy," I say, disconsolately; "but he is never in the way when wanted, like other boys. And Roly is in Ireland, by special desire, of course. And I would like mother, only---" "Perhaps you would like the whole family?" says my husband, mildly.