"But you're already in my good graces,--and have been for years."

"So? Then,"--Chick's tone grew wheedlesome,--"invite me up here
often,--won't you?"

"Now I _should_ have thought you meant because of my daughter's charms,
if your glance hadn't wandered toward Miss Gale, even as you spoke!"

"Both, fair lady,--both. I adore Fleurette as the delightful daughter of
a delightful mother. May I not also admire the delightful neighbour?"

"Indeed, you may. And you have a standing invitation to come up here
as often as you like. I'm going to entertain a lot this spring and
summer,--and you're a really useful house guest"

"Thanks, indeed! How do I qualify?"

"By your nice, kind, entertaining qualities. You're an all-round nice
man, Chick,--and I don't care who knows my opinion. And now, do you go
and make up to Elise."

"Yes, ma'am. Between you and me, ma'am,--she's a bit miffed--not?"

"Hush! Run along and make yourself so agreeable that she'll forget
everybody else."

Of a truth Elise was a little disturbed. For she was of a jealous and
self-seeking disposition, and resented any attentions that were not given
to her. The advent of this bright and sparkling young girl,--probably