“‘Ask me no questions, and I will tell you no falsehoods, but I guess you could answer that question better than I could. But come along now--we must go in, for I heard some one inquiring for me; give me your arm, and don’t forget the ugly frown.’ “‘Trust me now, Lottie, and I’ll be as polite to your guests as a French dancing master.’ “‘Good enough, Edward! so come along.’ “We returned to the ball-room, when Mr. Heartsell came up to engage Lottie as his partner for the next set. “‘I beg you to excuse me, Mr. Heartsell--I am going to dance with Mr. Demar in this set.’ “Now here was unmistakable evidence of partiality on Lottie’s part toward me, for I had not asked her to dance with me; in fact, I had not intended to dance any more that night. “My self-conceit went up to a premium, my heart swelled with indescribable delight, and I began to think that after all I was not to be laid entirely on the shelf. I knew that Heartsell was going to be a suitor for Lottie’s hand, and I considered him my most dangerous rival, as I was aware of the fact that he was Mr. Rockland’s favorite. He bit his lip with vexation as I led Lottie off to begin the waltz, while a feeling of triumph swelled up in my bosom. When the waltz was ended, Lottie parted from me as she whispered: “‘Now, Eddie, remember my guests, and try to help to entertain them.’ “As she left me, Heartsell drew up in front of me, and stared at me for a moment, while I thought that I perceived something like a sneer of contempt play for a second on his face. ‘Hullo, Demar!’ he exclaimed, ‘where did you get that beautiful white rose?’ “‘That, sir, was fastened here by the prettiest girl in this room,’ I replied, haughtily, as I drew myself up and walked away. I saw his cheeks grow purple with anger as he went toward Lottie, who was talking with a middle-aged lady near by. “‘Miss Wallingford,’ he said as he bowed low before her, ‘will you honor me with a short interview?’ “Without uttering a word, Lottie took his arm and was led out through a side door which opened on the corridor. They came round on the outside of the room and stopped within six feet of the seat where I was, and immediately opposite a window, the sash of which was up, but the curtains were down. I knew from the tone of Mr. Heartsell’s voice that he was angry with Lottie about something. “‘You seem to be enjoying yourself better than usual to-night.’ “‘Why should I not enjoy myself when I am among so many good kind friends?’ “‘I am truly glad to see you enjoying the society of your very good _friend_.’ “‘Why do you choose to use the singular number?’ “‘Because if you have any more than one friend (and I am happy to believe you have), you have been very careful to avoid letting them know that you recognized them.’ “‘Why, Mr. Heartsell, how can you be so unjust as to say that?’ “‘How many times have you danced with me to-night?’ “‘Once.’ “‘How many times with Mr. Campston?’ “‘I have not danced with him at all.’