"Jane needs it as much as I," said the princess.

"I can't believe that," responded Brandon, looking at Jane with a
softening glance quite too admiring and commendatory to suit me; for I
was a jealous little devil.

The eyebrows went up again.

"Oh! you think she doesn't? Well, in truth, Master Brandon, there is
one failing that can not be laid at your door; you are no flatterer."
For answer Brandon laughed, and that gave us the cue, and away we went
in a rippling chorus, all about nothing. Some persons may call our
laughter foolish, but there are others who consider it the height of
all wisdom. St. George! I'd give my Garter for just one other laugh
like that; for just one other hour of youth's dancing blood and
glowing soul-warmth; of sweet, unconscious, happy heart-beat and
paradise-creating joy in everything.

After a few minutes of gay conversation, in which we all joined, Mary
asked: "What shall we do? Will one of you suggest something?"

Jane sat there looking so demure you would have thought mischief could
not live within a league of her, but those very demure girls are
nearly always dangerous. She said, oh! so innocently:

"Would you like to dance? If so, I will play." And she reached for her
lute, which was by her side.

"Yes, that will be delightful. Master Brandon, will you dance with
me?" asked the princess, with a saucy little laugh, her invitation