Then she told me how Harry had made a poem upon me, after my departure, which he turned into Latin, Greek, and Italian, and had given Nancy a copy. And how Will had christened one pup Kitty, and another Pleydell, and a third Kitty Pleydell, and was casting around how to give a fourth puppy my name as well. It seemed so long ago that I had almost forgotten poor rustic Will, with his red face, his short sturdy figure, and his determination. "Dear Kitty," said Nancy, "if thou couldst take a fancy for our Will--he is a brave lad, though dull of parts and slow of apprehension. As for Harry"--here she stopped, and blushed. I remembered my secret, and blushed as well (but for guilt and shame); while poor Nancy blushed in maiden modesty. "Dear Nancy," I replied, kissing her, "believe me, but I could never marry your brother Will. And as for Harry----" "As for Harry," she echoed, with downcast eyes. It was easy to read her secret, though she could not guess mine. "As for Harry," I said, "where could he be better bestowed than----" Here I kissed her again, and said no more, because between two women what more need be said? Alas! I had quite forgotten--indeed, I never suspected--that I was actually engaged to become the wife of both Harry and Will, who was at this same time the wife of Lord Chudleigh. And both men were on their way to Epsom to claim the promise. CHAPTER IV. HOW KITTY WENT TO HER FIRST BALL. If I were to write all that Nancy said on Saturday afternoon it would fill a volume; and if I were to write down all that we four said about my dress for the Monday ball, it would take four volumes at least, so nimbly ran our tongues. It was determined, however, that the purple frock should be put in hand at once, with ribbons and everything to correspond; but that for this occasion, as time pressed, we would take my best frock, a new white satin, never before worn. Mrs. Bergamot would dress me, and the hairdresser was engaged for two o'clock. "Everything," said Nancy, "depends upon the first impression. Already the world is agog to see the beautiful Miss Pleydell dressed. As for me, my dear, nobody noticed my first appearance at all. And yet I thought I looked very nice. To be sure, a person of my inches cannot expect to command attention. I am feeling my way, however, and though I am little, my tongue is sharp. After Monday we will have our court, you and I, to ourselves. The men will be at our feet, and Peggy may lie all on a rock deploring." I asked her afterwards how she could speak so openly before this milliner, who would probably tell all the town what she had said.