"Two women in one house, two cats over one mouse, never agree," quoth Mollie. "Listeners never hear any good of themselves, but, oh! the opportunity was irresistible. So Doctor Guy Oleander is going to propose, and Mollie Dane is to say 'yes' on the impulse of the moment, and Mamma Blanche is to make her stick to her word! And it's all to happen after the polka quadrille! Very well; I'm ready. If Doctor Oleander and his cousin don't find their match, my name's not Mollie!" Miss Dane consulted her jeweled tablets, and discovered that the polka quadrille was the very next in order. Shaking out her rosy skirts, she fluttered away, mercilessly bent on manslaughter. Every one made way for the daughter of the house, and in a moment she was beside Dr. Oleander, holding up the inlaid tablets, and smiling her brightest in his dazzled eyes. "Such disgraceful conduct, Doctor Oleander! I have been searching for you everywhere. I appeal to you, Colonel Marshland; he engaged me for this quadrille. There is the music now, and he leaves me to hunt the house for him." "Unpardonable," said the gallant colonel. "At his age I should have known better. Oleander, make your peace if you can." The colonel made his bow, and then he walked away. Dr. Oleander drew her arm inside his own, bending very low over the sparkling sprite. "You are not implacable, I trust, Miss Mollie. It was all the colonel's fault, I assure you." Mollie shrugged her shoulders. "Of course you say so. Oh, don't wear that imploring face! I forgive you; but sin no more. There! they are waiting--come!" All through the dance Miss Dane sparkled as she had never sparkled Before. Ere the quadrille was over, Dr. Oleander was ten fathoms deeper in love than ever. "It is so very hot here!" Mollie exclaimed, impatiently--"perfectly stifling! Do let us go somewhere and get cool." "Let us go into the conservatory," said Dr. Oleander, delightedly, quite unconscious that his fair enslaver was playing into his hand. "We are sure to find solitude and coolness there." The conservatory was delightfully cool, after the African temperature of the ball-room. Alabaster lamps shed a pale sort of moonlight over the sleeping flowers, and splashing fountains, and marble goddesses. Miss Dane sunk down under a large orange-tree and began fanning herself languidly. "How nice--this half light, these perfumed roses, those tinkling water-falls, music, and solitude! Do I look like Love among the Roses, Doctor Oleander?" "Yes; like Love, like Venus, like everything that is bright, and beautiful, and irresistible, Miss Dane!" "Monsieur overwhelms me! Why, good gracious, sir! What do you mean?" For Dr. Oleander had actually caught her in his arms and was pouring forth a passionate declaration of love. "Goodness me! Release me instantly! How dare you, sir? Have you taken leave of your senses, Doctor Oleander?" "I am mad for love of you, beautiful Mollie! I adore you with my whole heart!"