The die was cast.

John's face burned like fire: he muttered something about "being happy
to make Miss Ellis's acquaintance," looking all the time as if he
would be glad to jump over the railing, or take wings and fly, to get
rid of the happiness.

Miss Ellis was a belle by profession, and she understood her business
perfectly. In nothing did she show herself master of her craft, more
than in the adroitness with which she could soothe the bashful pangs
of new votaries, and place them on an easy footing with her.

"Mr. Seymour," she said affably, "to tell the truth, I have been
desirous of the honor of your acquaintance, ever since I saw you in
the breakfast-room this morning."

"I am sure I am very much flattered," said John, his heart beating
thick and fast. "May I ask why you honor me with such a wish?"

"Well, to tell the truth, because you strikingly resemble a very
dear friend of mine," said Miss Ellis, with her sweet, unconscious
simplicity of manner.

"I am still more flattered," said John, with a quicker beating of the
heart; "only I fear that you may find me an unpleasant contrast."

"Oh! I think not," said Lillie, with another smile: "we shall soon be
good friends, too, I trust."