what is the use of your going to
parties?"

"So do I, indeed," said her brother. "I am quite in the dark on the
subject. But I was told in confidence that there are cards to be issued
for a great entertainment in Grove House, and I should not wonder if my
`accomplished sisters'--as Mrs Gridley in her friendly way calls them--
were to be visited in due form by the lady of the Grove preparatory to
an invitation to the same. So be in readiness. I think I should write
the note to Mrs Gridley, Rosie; you'll need a hint."

Graeme laughed, while Rose clapped her hands.

"I am not afraid of the call or the invitation," said Graeme.

But they came--first the call, which was duly returned, and then the
invitation. That was quite informal. Mrs Grove would be happy if Miss
Elliott and her sister would spend the evening at her house to meet a
few friends. To their surprise, Harry, as well as Arthur, came home
with a little pink note to the same effect.

"I didn't know that you knew the Groves, Harry," said Arthur.

"Oh, yes, I know Mr Grove in a general way; but I am invited through a
mistake. However, I shall go all the same. I am not responsible for
other people's mistakes. Nothing can be plainer than that."

"A mistake!" repeated several voices.

"Yes; Mrs Grove thinks I am a rising man, like the squire here; and why
undeceive her? I shall add to the brilliancy of her party, and enjoy it
mightily myself. Why undeceive her, I ask?"

"Don't be nonsensical, Harry," said Rose.

"How came Mrs Grove to make such an absurd mistake?" said Arthur,
laughing.

"She's _cute_, I know; still it was not surprising in the circumstances.
I met her on the street yesterday, and I saw the invitation in her eyes
as plainly as I see this little pink concern now;" and he tossed the
note to Rose. "I think I should send the acceptance to Miss
Elphinstone. It was she who obtained the invitation for me."

"Miss Elphinstone!"

"Yes, or Jack, or both, I should perhaps say. For if Jack had been at
his post, I should not have been politely requested to call a carriage
for Miss Elphinstone, and Mrs Grove would not have seen me escorting
her down the street as she sat in her carriage at Alexander's door. I
know she was thinking I was very bold to be walking on N Street with my
master's daughter. Of course she didn't know that I was doing the work
of that rascal Jack. And so I am going to the Grove party, unless,
indeed, there is