“What a lucky Irish girl to have met with him!” said she, gayly. “And how did you come to know him, may I ask?” “George had been several times over to inquire after him, and out of gratitude Count Pracontal,--I am not sure that he is count though, but it is of no moment,--made it a point to come here the first day he was able to drive out. Mr. Longworth drove him over in his pony carriage, and George was so pleased with them both that he asked them to tea last evening, and they dine here to-day.” “Hence these decorations?” “Precisely.” “What a brilliant neighborhood we have! And there are people will tell you that this is all barbarism here.” “Come over this evening, Jack, and hear M. Pracontal sing--he has a delicious tenor voice--and you 'll never believe in that story of barbarism again. We had quite a little 'salon' last night.” “I must take your word for his attractive qualities,” said Jack, as his brow contracted and his face grew darker. “I thought your brother rather stood aloof from Mr. Longworth. I was scarcely prepared to hear of his inviting him here.” “So he did; but he found him so different from what he expected--so quiet, so well-bred, that George, who always is in a hurry to make an 'amende' when he thinks he has wronged any one, actually rushed into acquaintance with him at once.” “And his sister Julia,” asked Jack, with a look of impertinent irony, “was she, too, as impulsive in her friendship?” “I think pretty much the same.” “It must have been a charming party.” “I flatter myself it was. They stayed till midnight; and M. Pracontal declared he'd break his other leg to-morrow if it would ensure him another such evening in his convalescence.” “Fulsome rascal! I protest it lowers my opinion of women altogether when I think these are the fellows that always meet their favor.” “Women would be very ungrateful if they did not like the people who try to please them. Now, certainly, as a rule, Jack, you will admit foreigners are somewhat more eager about this than you gentlemen of England.” “I have about as much of this as I am likely to bear well from my distinguished stepmother,” said he, roughly, “so don't push my patience further.” “What do you say to our little 'salon' now?” said she. “Have you ever seen ferns and variegated ivy disposed more tastefully?” “I wish--I wish”--stammered he out, and then seemed unable to go on. “And what do you wish?” “I suppose I must not say it. You might feel offended besides.” “Not a bit, Jack. I am sure it never could be your intention to offend me, and a mere blunder could not do so.” “Well, I 'll go round and tell you what it is I wish,” and with this he entered the house and passed on into the drawing-room, and taking his place at one side of the fire, while she stood at the other, said seriously, “I was wishing, Julia, that you were less of a coquette.” “You don't mean that?” said she, roguishly, dropping her long eyelashes, as she looked down immediately after.