"Yes, I would," I return, with alacrity; "every---" I was going to say "man jack of them," but thinking this--though purest English to Billy's ears--may be considered vulgar by mere outsiders, check myself in time, and substitute the words "every one of them," rather tamely. "All, that is, except papa; I doubt if he could be amiable for two hours together. But where is the use in wishing for what I cannot have?" "We could get Billy for a week, I dare say, later on," says Marmaduke, kindly, "while the rest are here, if only to keep you from despair. Is there any one else?" "No; papa looked upon friends as nightmares, so we have none. Besides, I shall have quite enough to do making myself agreeable to those you have named. I only hope they will not worry me into an early grave." "Well, then, I suppose, with two or three spare men, this list will do?" "Don't you think you are asking a great many?" "No; very few, it seems to me; at least barely enough to make the house warm. Here is a tip for you, Phyllis: when making up your mind to invite people to stay with you, always ask a good many together, as the more there are the easier it will be to amuse them, and much trouble is taken off the shoulders of the poor little hostess. Bebe you will like, she is so gay and bright: every one is fond of her?" "How old is she?" "Very young--not more than nineteen or twenty, and she looks almost as young as you. She will suit you, and help you to do the honors. The only thing that can be said against Bebe is, she is such an incorrigible little flirt. Do not learn that accomplishment from her." "How shall I be able to help it, if you throw me in the way of it? I think you are acting foolishly," with a wise shake of my head. "What if one of those 'spare men' should chance to fall in love with me?" "That would be a mere bagatelle to _your_ falling in love with one of the 'spare men.'" "I see nothing to prevent that either." "Don't you?" Then, half earnestly, taking my face between his hands, "You would not do that, Phyllis, would you?" "No, I think not," I say, lightly, letting him have his kiss without rebuke: "I feel no desire to be a flirt. It must be an awful thing, as it seems to me, to have two or three men in love with you at the same time. I find _one_ bad enough"--maliciously--"and that is what it comes to, is it not?" "I suppose so, if one is a successful coquette." "Well," I say, springing to my feet, "I only hope Dora will get a good husband out of all this turmoil, if only to recompense me for the misery I am going to endure." CHAPTER XIX.