"Loftus, it is close on twelve o'clock. We must go home. Look at Mabel," she added, seeing her brother hesitate, "she is frightfully sleepy. Mother never allows her to be up so late. We have had a happy evening," continued Catherine, looking full into Miss Meadowsweet's face, "and we are very much obliged to you. Now I must go and say good-night to your mother." She tripped away, and Beatrice looked after her with affectionate eyes. "It is unkind of you not to give me one dance," said the captain. She had forgotten his presence. "It is not unkind," she said. "The dancing is altogether an impromptu affair, and I had to attend to my guests. I was talking to your sister, Catherine, who did not care to dance." "Very ungenerous to me," pursued the captain. "A poor return for all my efforts to please you." "Your efforts--pray, what efforts?" "Did you not observe me with your friend, Miss Matty Bell? I assure you she and I are now excellent friends." "I do not suppose in my mother's house you would be anything else, Captain Bertram." Her tone irritated the captain. His manner changed. "Do you think I _wanted_ to dance with her?" "I don't think about it. Here is your sister. I will help you to find your wraps, Catherine." She linked her hand through Catherine Bertram's arm, and went with her into the hall. A few moments later the brother and sisters were walking quickly home. "So you have come to Christian names already, Catherine," said Loftus. "Yes," replied Catherine. "She is the very dearest girl. Have we not had a delightful evening?" "Delightful, truly. How did you enjoy yourself, Mab?" "Middling," replied Mabel. "I was with Mr. Jones, and he talked about vestments, and deplored the Rector's decision against High Church practices. He thought we were kindred souls, but we weren't, and I told him so. Then he turned crusty. I waltzed twice with Mr. Bell, and he kicked my ankle, and hurt me very much. I don't think I cared much for the party, Catherine, the people were so queer." "Were they?" answered Catherine. "I didn't notice anything the matter with them. I talked for a short time with Mrs. Meadowsweet, and found her most interesting. She told me a lot about Beatrice. She thinks Beatrice the noblest creature in the world. As I very nearly agreed with her we got on capitally." "What a romantic puss you are, Kate," said her brother. She was leaning on him, and he gave her arm a playful pinch. "You met Miss Meadowsweet on Tuesday, wasn't it? This is Friday, and she is the 'very dearest girl in the world,' and already you are Catherine and Beatrice to one another. Upon my word, hearts move rapidly towards each other in certain quarters." "In more quarters than one," replied Kate, with an arch smile. "How you did flatter that poor little Miss Bell, Loftie. Her cheeks were like peonies while you talked to her. You certainly had an air of great tenderness, and I expect you have turned the poor little thing's head."