"But, you see, I did. It looks very queer for Louis to be travelling
around by himself; couldn't you go again in the evening with him?"

"Of course, you over-thoughtful aunt. If the pictures are good, a second
visit will not be thrown away, --that is, if Louis is really anxious for my
companionship. But, 'I doubt it, I doubt it, I do.'"

"What nonsense!" returned her mother, somewhat testily. "Why shouldn't he
be? You are always amiable together, are you not?"

"Well," she said, knitting her brows and pursing her lips drolly, "that,
methinks, depends on the limits and requirements of amiability. If
disputation showeth a friendly spirit, then is my lord overfriendly; for it
oft hath seemed of late to pleasure his mood to wax disputations, though,
in sooth, lady fair, I have always maintained a wary and decorous
demeanor."

"I can imagine," laughed her mother, a little anxiously; "then you will
go?"

"Why not?"

If Arnold really cared for the outcome of such manoeuvres, Mrs. Levice's
exertions bore some fruit.


Chapter VIII

There are few communities, comparatively speaking, with more enthusiastic