ving to stand too close to them _anywhere_. I am so glad that you
agree with me, Captain Duchesne!"

And not long afterwards she graciously invited him to call upon her on
"her day," and promised him a stall at an approaching _matinee_, two
pieces of especial favor, as Lesley knew.

Captain Duchesne sat on as if fascinated by the brilliant little vision
that had charmed his eyes; and not until an unconscionable time had
elapsed did he seem able to tear himself away. When he had gone, Ethel
expressed herself approvingly of his looks and manners.

"I like those soldierly-looking men," she said. "So well set up and
distinguished in appearance. Is he an old friend of yours, Lesley?"

"No, I have met him only once before. In Paris, he dined with us--with
my grandfather, my mother, and myself."

"And he comes from Lady Alice now?"

"Yes, to bring me news of her."

Ethel nodded her bright little head sagaciously.

"It's very plain what Lady Alice wants, then?"

"What?" said Lesley, opening her eyes in wide amaze.

"She wants you to marry him, my dear."

"Nonsense!"

"It's not nonsense: don't get so red about it, you silly girl. What a
baby you are, Lesley."

"I am sure mamma never thought of anything of the kind," said Lesley,
with dignity, although her cheeks were still red.

"We shall see what we shall see. Well, I won't put my oar in--isn't that
kind of me? But, indeed, your Captain Duchesne looks thoroughly ripe for
a flirtation, and it will be as much as I can do to keep my hands off
him."

"How would Mr. Trent like that?" said Lesley, trying to carry the war
into the enemy's camp.

"He would bear it with the same equanimity with which he bears the rest
of my caprices," said Ethel, merrily; but a shade crossed her brow, and
she allowed Lesley to lead the conversation to the subject of her
_trousseau_.

Captain Duchesne did not seem slow to avail himself of the favor
accorded to him. He presented himself at Ethel's next "at home;" and
devoted himself to her with curious assiduity. Even the discovery of her
engagement to Mr. Trent did not change his manner. It was not so much
that he paid her actual attention, as that he paid none to anybody else.
When she was not talking to him, he kept silence. He seemed always to be
observing her, her face, her manner, her dress, her attitude. Yet this
kind of observation was quite respectful and unobtrusive: it was merely
its continuity that excited remark. Oliver