e, perhaps you
would not dislike my trying to put it up for you.'

'Thank you--no, pray don't; you will tire yourself.' But it was spoken
with none of the old disdain, and left an opening for coaxing.

'I used to be thought a good hand with my sisters' hair. It will be such
a treat if you will only let me try,' said she, emboldened to stroke
the raven tresses, and then take the comb, while Theodora yielded, well
pleased. 'On condition you give me a lesson to-morrow. I am not to
be maid-ridden all my life,' and it ended with 'Thank you! That is
comfortable. You came in my utmost need. I am only ashamed of having
troubled you.'

'Don't say so. I am so much obliged to you for letting me try. It is
more like being at home with you,' murmured Violet, turning away; but
her voice as well as the glass betrayed her tearful eyes, and Theodora's
sensation was a reward for her pride having slumbered and allowed her to
accept a service.

Mr. Fotheringham came to dinner that he might go with them to the party.
As they were drinking coffee before setting out, Mrs. Finch's invitation
was mentioned.

'You had better leave your card for her, Percy,' said Theodora. He made
no answer.

'Will you dine with us first and go?' said Violet.

Thank you; I do not mean to visit them.'

'No!' exclaimed Theodora. 'They are connections!'

'The more cause for avoiding them.'

'I have promised to introduce you.'

'I am afraid you reckoned without your host.'

'Ha!' cried Arthur, 'the lion is grown coquettish with fine feeding. He
is not easy of leading.'

'She is my greatest friend,' said Theodora, as if it was conclusive; but
Percy only answered, I should be very sorry to believe so,' set down his
cup, and began to read the paper. She was the more irritated. 'Percy,'
she said, 'do you really not intend to go to the party!'

'Certainly not.'

'Not to visit a relation of your own, and my most intimate friend, when
it is my especial desire?'

'You do not know what you are talking of,' he answered, without raising
his eyes.

'Percy!' exclaimed Theodora, her pride and affection so mortified that
she forgot that Arthur was looking on with mischievous glee, 'have you
any reason for this neglect?'

'Of course I have,' said he, reading on.

'Then let me hear it.'

'You force it from me, Theodora,' said Percy, laying down the paper:
'it is because I will not enter into any intercourse I can avoid with
persons whose conduct I disappro