her."

"I am not sure of that," said Graeme, smiling at the eagerness of the
brothers. "I suppose she asked me for the same reason that she called
here, because of the partnership. They are connected with the Blacks,
in some way. Now, that it is off her conscience, having invited me, I
daresay she will be just as well pleased that I should stay at home."

"That is not the least bit uncharitable, is it Graeme?"

"No. I don't think so. It certainly cannot make much difference to
her, to have one more or less at her house on the occasion. I really
think she asks me from a sense of duty--or rather, I ought to say, from
a wish to be polite to her friends the Blacks. It is very well that she
should do so, and if I cared to go, it would, of course, be agreeable to
her, but it will not trouble her in the least though I stay away."

"Well, I can't but say you have chosen an unfortunate occasion to begin
to be fastidious. I should think the Roxbury's would be the very house
you would like to go to."

"Oh! one has to make a beginning. And I am tired of so much gaiety. It
makes no difference about its being Mrs Roxbury."

"Very well. Please yourself and you'll please me," said Harry, rising.

"Are you going out to-night, Harry?" said Graeme, trying not to look
anxious.

"Yes; but pray don't wait for me if I should not be in early," said
Harry, rather hastily.

There was nothing said for some time after Harry went out. Will went to
his books, and Rose went to the piano. Graeme sewed busily, but she
looked grave and anxious.

"What can make Harry so desirous that you should go to Mrs Roxbury's?"
said Arthur, at last. "Have you any particular reason for not wishing
to go?"

"Do you think Harry really cared? No; I have no reason for not wishing
to go there. But, Arthur, we have been going out too much lately. It
is not good for Rosie, nor for me, either; and I refused this invitation
chiefly because she was not invited, I might not have had the courage to
refuse to go with her--as she would have been eager to go. But it is
not good for her, all this party-going."

"I dare say you are right. She is too young, and not by any means
beyond being spoiled. She is a very pretty girl."

"Pretty! Who can compare with her?" said Graeme. "But she must not be
spoiled. She is best at home."

"Proudfute tells me this is to be a reception in honour of your friend
Ruthven, and Miss Elphinstone," said Arthur. "I