Vandeloup laughed so much at this that Kitty rose to her feet and
looked offended.

'I don't know what you are laughing at,' she said, throwing her
half-eaten apple out of the door; 'but I don't believe you're a good
young man. You look awfully bad,' seriously. 'Really, I don't think
I ever saw anyone look so bad.'

'Suppose you undertake my reformation?' suggested Vandeloup,
eagerly.

'Oh! I couldn't; it wouldn't be right; but,' brightly, 'pa will.'

'I don't think I'll trouble him,' said Gaston, hastily, who by no
means relished the idea. 'I'm too far gone to be any good.'

She was about to reply when Madame Midas entered, and Kitty flew to
her with a cry of delight.

'Why, Kitty,' said Madame, highly pleased, 'I am so glad to see you,
my dear; but keep off, or I'll be spoiling your dress.'

'Yes, so you will,' said Kitty, retreating to a safe distance; 'what
a long time you have been.'

'Have I, dear?' said Madame, taking off her underground dress; 'I
hope M. Vandeloup has proved a good substitute.'

'Madame,' answered Vandeloup, gaily, as he assisted Mrs Villiers to