though she looked down and glowed as she answered, 'Six weeks.'

'And you met at the ball!'

'Yes, it was very curious;' and with deepening blushes she went on, the
smile of happiness on her lips, and her eyes cast down. 'Annette was
to go for the first time, and she would not go without me. Mamma did
not like it, for I was not sixteen then; but Uncle Christopher came,
and said I should, because I was his pet. But I can never think it was
such a short time; it seems a whole age ago.'

'It must,' said John, with a look of interest that made her continue.

'It was very odd how it all happened. Annette and I had no one to
dance with, and were wondering who those two gentlemen were. Captain
Fitzhugh was dancing with Miss Evelyn, and he--Mr. Martindale--was
leaning against the wall, looking on.'

'I know exactly--with his arms crossed so--'

'Yes, just so,' said Violet, smiling; 'and presently Grace Bennet came
and told Matilda who they were; and while I was listening, oh, I was so
surprised, for there was Albert, my brother, making me look round. Mr.
Martindale had asked to be introduced to us, and he asked me to dance.
I don't believe I answered right, for I thought he meant Matilda.
'But,' said she, breaking off, 'how I am chattering and hindering you!'
and she coloured and looked down.

'Not at all,' said John; 'there is nothing I wish more to hear, or that
concerns me more nearly. Anything you like to tell.'