s. Arrowpoint,
and looking up with a bright smile at young Clintock.

Mrs. Arrowpoint was not insensible to this rudeness, but merely said,
"Well, we will not press anything disagreeably," and as there was a
perceptible outburst of imprisoned conversation just then, and a
movement of guests seeking each other, she remained seated where she
was, and looked around her with the relief of a hostess at finding she
is not needed.

"I am glad you like this neighborhood," said young Clintock,
well-pleased with his station in front of Gwendolen.

"Exceedingly. There seems to be a little of everything and not much of
anything."

"That is rather equivocal praise."

"Not with me. I like a little of everything; a little absurdity, for
example, is very amusing. I am thankful for a few queer people; but
much of them is a bore."

(Mrs. Arrowpoint, who was hearing this dialogue, perceived quite a new
tone in Gwendolen's speech, and felt a revival of doubt as to her
interest in Tasso's madness.)

"I think there should be more croquet, for one thing," young Clintock;
"I am usually away, but if I were more here I should go in for a
croquet club. You are one of the archers, I think. But depend upon it
croquet is the game of the future. It wants writing up, though. One of
our best men has written a poem on it, in four cantos;--as good as
Pope. I want him to publish it--You never read anything better."

"I shall study croquet to-morrow. I shall take to it instead of
singing."

"No, no, not that; but do take to croquet. I will send you Jenning's
poem if you like. I have a manuscript copy."

"Is he a great friend of yours?"

"Well, rather."

"Oh, if he is only rather, I think I will decline. Or, if you send it
to me, will you promise not to catechise me upon it and ask me which
part I like best? Because it is not so easy to know a poem without
reading it as to know a sermon without listening."

"Decidedly," Mrs. Arrowpoint thought, "this girl is double and
satirical. I shall be on my guard against her."

But Gwendolen, nevertheless, continued to receive polite attentions
from the family at Quetcham, not merely because invitations have larger
grounds than those of personal liking, but because the trying little
scene at the piano had awakened a kindly solicitude toward her in the
gentle mind of Miss Arrowpoint, who managed all the invitations and
visits, her mother being otherwise occupied.

CHAPTER VI.

"Croyez-v