'Pray, how do you arrive at any such conclusion?' replied Miss Thorne, in a reserved tone, while she gave Hiram a glance which was intended to assure him she was merely assuming it. 'Oh, never mind, my dear; it is not of so much consequence about your liking Hiram. You may detest him, if you please, but I am resolved he shall like you, for you are my pet, you know.' Arabella looked affectionate, and Hiram laughed. 'Oh, you may laugh as much as you please; men cannot understand our attachments for each other, can they, Arabella?' 'No, indeed.' 'That is true enough,' quoth Hiram. After Mr. Bennett came in, a handsome little supper was served. That concluded, Hiram waited on Miss Thorne to her carriage. 'I shall expect you to take back all the naughty things you have said about me to your cousin,' she said, very sweetly, after she was seated. 'About you, yes; but not about the _heiress_. But--but if you were not one, I do think I should like you pretty well. As it is, the objection is insuperable; good night.' Away went carriage and horses and Arabella Thorne. Hiram stepped back into the house. 'My wife says you have made a splendid hit to-night, Hiram,' remarked Mr. Bennett. 'Does she?' replied the other, in an absent tone. * * * * * Hiram went late to Mrs. Jones's party. So did Miss Thorne. In a pleasant mood, Mrs. Bennett walked with her cousin to where the heiress was standing, and said, 'Miss Thorne, this is Mr. Meeker. I believe, however, you have met before.' The waltzing had already commenced, and Hiram led his not unwilling partner to the floor, where they were soon giddily whirling, to the intense admiration of the lookers on. It was now Hiram felt grateful to the unknown young lady who taught him how to waltz _close_. He practised it on this occasion to perfection. Arabella, by degrees, leaned more and more heavily. One arm resting fondly on his shoulder, she was drawn into immediate contact with Hiram's _calculating_ heart. Round and round she sped--round and round sped Hiram, until the two were so blended that it was difficult to decide who or what were revolving. At last Arabella was forced to yield. Faintly she sighed, 'I must stop,' and Hiram, coming to a graceful termination, seated her in triumph--the master of the situation! Miss Innis looked on and smiled. Others expressed their admiration of the performance. None could deny it was very perfect. Soon they were on the floor again, and again Arabella struggled hard for the mastery. It was in vain. After repeated attempts to hold the field, she was obliged to yield. Hiram was too familiar with the sex to attempt to pursue his advantage. Indeed, Miss Arabella, having accomplished her object in showing Miss Innis that she _could_ monopolize Hiram if she chose, would have been quite ready to play the coquette and assume the dignified.