"Why, I engaged some fellows to come here and give us an entertainment
to-night, and they write to say they can't come. But never mind; we must
do the best we can among ourselves. You are good at all sorts of odd
games; while at--yes, the very thing!--that's delightful!"

"What's delightful?"

"You'll know to-night! 'Pon my word, it's lucky those juggling fellows
can't come. Anyhow, I can promise you a jolly evening."

Had I known then what that evening would lead to, I should not have
entered the house so joyously as I did; but I knew nothing of what lay
in the future, while Miss Forrest's great dark eyes beamed upon me in
such a way as to make earth seem like heaven.




CHAPTER IV

VOLTAIRE'S STORY OF THE EAST


When lunch-time came, I, to my delight, obtained a seat next to Miss
Forrest, and soon I became oblivious to all else but her. I was sure,
too, that she liked me. Her every word and action disclaimed the idea of
her being a coquette, while her honest preference for my society was
apparent.