'Oh! We had better go to dinner, then, had we not: I presume it is
about ready.'

'Stay, will you not wear this at dinner?' stooping for a pansy that
flourished among the late autumn blossoms.

'Keep if for remembrance when I am away.'

'Oh, but flowers fade; and I could only remember you for a couple of
days.'

'Why not press it between the leaves of a book?'

'Oh, I will do that; and I will remember your lecture every time
that I open the volume.'

'Thank you; but if you can't think a little bit about myself, I
don't want you to bother about my lecture. You can feast yourself in
contemplation of your loud and gorgeous friend, Mr. Ham.'

They had entered the house: and at the same moment Asters father and
Mr. Ham came in. It was quite plain that these two men were
confidential friends; for as they entered the room the host had his
arm within that of his guest, and both were so engrossed in their
subject--talking in a low tone--that they seemed for a time
unconscious of the presence of Aster and Roland. When the host did
raise his head he simply gave a cold bow to Roland; and then bestowed
a sharp glance upon his daughter. Nor was the rudeness of the host to