conservatory, and when they did emerge, was seized on by his
brother-in-law with very black looks, and introduced to a somewhat
unappreciated young lady.

Bertie had the happy knack of appearing equally charmed, whether
presented to a beauty or the reverse; but he inscribed himself very low
down on her card, remorselessly ignoring the intervening blanks, and then
approached Cecil, who, in black and amber, was the most striking-looking
girl in the room. Though inferior in beauty to many, her fine figure and
expressive eyes could never pass unnoticed.

"Dear little Cecil, how well she is looking!" thought he, facilely
forgetting his latest flame, and just becoming sensible of her "altered
eye."

"My niece," said Bertie, in a theatrical tone, intended to disguise his
perception of it, "shall we tread a measure? Let me lead you forth into
the mazy dance."

"Excuse me, Bertie," said Cecil, languidly; "I am only going to dance the
two or three round ones I am engaged for, and I know you do not care for
square."

"I should think not," said he angrily, "when you are going to dance round
ones with other fellows."

"You see you asked too late," said she, indifferently.

"Will you go in to supper with me then?"