“May you call?” said Georgie, putting the tip of her parasol up to her mouth, and turning her head on one side, as if she were brooding over the subject, “Yes, certainly, if you have any business with papa—I think he does that sort of thing with your house sometimes; or if you have taken a fancy to know grandmamma. She’s an old lady worth knowing, I can tell you.” “If you permit me, I certainly shall have business with your father,” answered Gould, with a bright smile; “and am so anxious to see this fine old lady, that to-morrow, at the furthest, I shall claim that privilege.” “I dare say she will be glad to see you. If she should be indisposed, there is Aunt Eliza—you have seen Aunt Eliza?” “Oh, yes, certainly! I have seen her, and shall be delighted to resume the acquaintance.” “Well, that being settled, good-night!” Gould lifted his hat, and went away. Georgie ran up the steps, smiling like a June morning. The door was opened, and she glided through singing in a low, happy voice, “Spring is coming! Spring is coming!” when a voice called to her from over the banisters. Miss Eliza spent half her natural life leaning over those banisters—and she was there, as usual, keeping guard. “Who was it? Who was it you were talking to, Georgiana?” she called out. “I heard a man’s voice. I will take my oath I heard a man’s voice.” “It was Mr. Gould,” answered Georgie, breaking off her song. “Mr. Gould? What, the young gentleman who was on his knees to that vile girl in the tableau? You don’t mean to say it was him?” “Yes, I do, Aunt Eliza.” “Where did you meet him, Georgie, dear? Tell me all about it, that’s a sweet angel!” “I met him at Mrs. Burns’, Aunt Eliza.” “What! in that garret? Is he bewitched by that creature, too? I can’t believe it!” “I don’t know about his being bewitched, but he certainly was in Mrs. Burns’ room when we got there.” “We! Georgiana. Who are you talking about?” “Old Mrs. Burns, Anna, and myself. We had been up town on a little business, and——” “Georgiana Halstead, have you been in the street with those low people?” “Yes, if you will call them so.” “Without my permission?” “I had that of grandmamma.” “My mother is an old—— My mother does not know what she is about. I must inform her.” “She is well informed, Aunt Eliza.” “I will make sure of that. But Mr. Gould—did he inquire for me?” “He spoke of you, certainly.” “What did he say? Come up here this minute, and tell me all about it.” “He said that he had been introduced to you, and should like to renew the acquaintance.” “Yes, yes! I dare say he would! I saw clearly that he was watching my Horace that night like a lynx, so jealous that he could not conceal it, because he escorted me to the carriage. So he has manifested himself at last. Too late! Too late!” “He spoke of calling to-morrow, Aunt Eliza.”