."

"I am very glad to hear you say so," exclaimed Mrs Grove. "That is a
subject on which Miss Elliott and I never agree--I mean the claims
society has upon her. If she makes a hermit of herself, I assure you
she is not permitted to do so without remonstrance."

"Your ideas of a hermit's life differ from those generally held," said
Graeme, vexed at the personal turn of the conversation, and more vexed
still with Mrs Grove's interference. "What does the ballad say?

"`A scrip with fruits and herbs well stored,
And water from the spring.'

"I am afraid a hermit's life would not suit me."

"Oh! of course, we are speaking of comparative seclusion," said Mrs
Grove. "Still, as ladies are supposed to have a fancy for going to
extremes, Miss Elliott's taste for quietness is the most desirable
extreme of the two."

The remark was addressed to Mr Green, who was an interested listener,
but Mr Proudfute answered it.

"I am by no means sure of that, my dear madam. I can understand how
those who have an opportunity of daily or frequent intercourse with Miss
Elliott should be content to think so; but that she should withdraw
herself altogether from society, should not be permitted. What charming
parties, I remember, we used to enjoy."

"Mr Proudfute," said Graeme, gravely, "look at Mrs Snow's face. You
are conveying to her the idea that, at one time, I was quite given up to
the pursuit of pleasure, and she is shocked, and no wonder. Now, my own
impression is, that I was never very fond of going into society, as you
call it. I certainly never met you more than two or three times--at
large parties, I mean."

Mr Proudfute bowed low.

"Well, that shows how profound was the impression which your society
made on me, for on looking back I uniformly associate you with all the
pleasant assemblies of the season. You went with us to Beloeil, did you
not?"

Graeme shook her head.

"Well, no wonder I forget, it is so long ago, now. You were at Mrs
Roxbury's great affair, were you not? It happened not long before Mr
Elphinstone's death. Yes, I remember you were there."

"Yes, I remember you were kind enough to point out to me the beauties of
that wonderful picture, in the little room up-stairs," said Graeme,
smiling.

"Yes, you were ill, or slightly unwell, I should say, for you recovered
immediately. You were there, Mr Green, I remember. It was a great
affair, given in honour of Miss Elphinstone and your frien