I got no answer, unless the gentlest mirth ful gurgle were to count as one. • Did it hurt ?' I asked. ' Not much,' said Mrs Duncan, displaying one eye round the side of the. fan. Suddenly there was a movement opposite. Our friends rose ; the man gave his arm ; they walked to the. dcor. ' That's the way to tho conservatory,* I

observed. 4 I say, he's looking awfully riled. She must have sat on him.' 4 Do you think so?'asked Mrs Duncan, looking up at me, and seeming much amused. * Suppose we go after them and look on again V 4 I'd just as soon stay here,' said I. 4 Would you ? Oh, but everybody will be here directly, Mr Vansittart I' I, nodded with understanding. 4 Thats true,' said I, offering my arm. 4 I think you'll do, you know—some day,' said Mrs Duncan, as we went. I thought myself that it was not bad—for a beginning. I daresay my look told my thought; for she laughed again. _ 4 I'm much obliged for my lesson, said I, with a very significant glance. 4 It was no trouble,' she answered, with a demureness that hardly pretended to hide mischief. 4 There they are !' I whispered, as we reached the conservatory.
