“I trust you will be as well pleased with my country and countrymen as I am with America and Americans,” Lord Carrol remarked, gallantly, with an inclination of his grand head, and bestowing a look of admiration upon his companion. Josephine flushed with pleasure. His glance, his gesture, his words, all plainly indicated that he did not consider her the least attraction in America or among Americans. “Thank you, in the name of my native land,” she said; “but I think you must be an exception to the proverbial Englishman, for I have been told that, as a rule, they do not like us any too well. They cannot forgive us our independence.” “One may be forced to admire in one way that which it might not be pleasant to contemplate in another,” his lordship returned. “But,” he added, “I trust that as we, as nations, become better acquainted with each other by the frequent interchange of courtesies, we shall also become better friends.” “Have you been long in America?” “Nearly a year. I have visited a large portion of the country, and I must confess that I am greatly pleased and interested in what I have seen, and particularly so with your free institutions and schools. Your people, too, are generous, free-hearted, and intelligent, while the beauty of American ladies, you know, is proverbial,” he concluded, smiling. Josephine’s dark eyes drooped shyly beneath his glance, while the blood went rippling to her heart with a thrill such as she had never before experienced. “I shall remain two or three months longer,” he continued; “and I think when I do return, notwithstanding I love old England very dearly, I shall go with something of regret.” He would remain two or three months longer. Josephine’s heart leaped exultingly; she would meet him often, perhaps, this noble young peer; and what might not happen in two or three months? “Do you remain long at Long Branch?” she asked. “Three or four weeks, perhaps. I find it very pleasant here,” he said; and again that thrill leaped through her veins. “I shall then go to New York,” he added, “where I shall make my headquarters until I return to England.” “Perhaps we can help to make your stay in New York pleasant,” Josephine said, with her most brilliant smile. “Mamma and I are to remain here until the first of October, when we shall go home, and can, perhaps, help to show you more of our great city than you would otherwise see.” “Thanks; I shall be very happy to avail myself of your kindness. But there is the signal for supper; may I take you in?” It is needless to say that the fascinated girl accepted his invitation, and spent the hour feasting more upon the young lord’s handsome looks and charming conversation than upon the choice viands which he placed before her.