to mamma, and she says, bring her by all means,--and Mr. Ercildoune
gives his consent; so it is all settled."

"Mr. Ercildoune! is there no Mrs. E.?"

"None,--her mother died long ago; and her father has not been here, so I
can't tell you anything about him. There: do you see that
elegant-looking lady talking with Professor Hale? that is her aunt, Mrs.
Lancaster. She is English, and is here only on a visit. She wants to
take Francesca home with her in the spring, but I hope she won't."

"Why, what is it to you?"

"I am afraid she will stay, and then I shall never see her any more."

"And why stay? do you fancy England so very fascinating?"

"No, it is not that; but Francesca don't like America; she's forever
saying something witty and sharp about our 'democratic institutions,' as
she calls them; and, if you had looked this morning, you'd have seen
that she didn't sing The Star-Spangled Banner with the rest of us. Her
voice is splendid, and Professor Hale wanted her to lead, as she often
does, but she wouldn't sing that, she said,--no, not for anything; and
though we all begged, she refused,--flat."

"Shocking! what total depravity! I wonder is she converting Surrey to
her heresies."

No, she wasn't; not unless silence is more potent than words; for after
they had danced together Surrey brought her to one of the great windows