Lancelot Darling came into the drawing-room one day where Ada and the beautiful widow sat by the glowing fire, Mrs. Vance busy as usual with some trifle of fancy work, and Ada yawning over the latest novel. They welcomed him without surprise or formality, for he had fallen into a habit of dropping in familiarly and with the freedom of a brother. Mrs. Vance, after the first few weeks of affected shyness and prudence, had resumed her old frank relations with Lance, though but feebly seconded by that young man, who had not recovered from the shock of her unwomanly avowal of love for himself. "Well, Ada, how does the novel please you?" he inquired, looking at the book that she had laid aside. "Either the author is very dull, or I am out of spirits," she returned, smiling, "for I have failed to become interested in the woes of the heroine, this morning. Have you read it, Lance?" "Oh, yes, a week ago," he answered, carelessly. "I found it readable and interesting. I dare say you are in fault to-day, not the author. You are out of tune." "Perhaps so," said Ada, "but what am I to do about it? Can you suggest a remedy?" "The sleighing is very fine just now," he returned. "It thrills one very pleasurably. Have you tried it?" "Oh, yes, Mrs. Vance and myself have been out twice with papa this week." "By daylight?" he queried. "Yes, by daylight," she answered. "The latest sensation, however, is sleigh-riding by moonlight," rejoined Lance. "There is a full moon, you know, and the nights are superb. Parties go out to Dabney's hotel--it is far out on the suburbs--and have hot coffee and oysters by way of refreshment, you know--then they return to the city, getting home near midnight usually. Altogether it is very exhilarating." "You speak from experience, I presume?" said Ada. "Yes. I tried it myself last night, being induced thereto by the glowing representations of two young friends of mine. I found the drive quite as bracing and delightful as they described it. I should be tempted to try it again to-night if I could persuade you, Ada, and Mrs. Vance to accompany me." "Why, that would be delightful," said Ada, clapping her hands, with the pleasure of a child over a new toy. "I think that is just what I am needing--a new sensation." "You consent, then?" said he, smiling at her pretty enthusiasm. "Oh, yes, if Mrs. Vance will go, too. Will you do so?" inquired she, turning to the lady, who had as yet taken no part in the conversation. "Do you wish to go very much?" inquired she, looking up from her work with a very pleasant smile. "I think I should enjoy it very much." "I don't know that I care for it very much," said the widow, with a light sigh; "but I will go to please you, Ada." "It is settled then," said Lance. "We will go, and I think I can promise you both a very enjoyable evening."