u think I _wanted_ to dance with her?"

"I don't think about it. Here is your sister. I will help you to find
your wraps, Catherine."

She linked her hand through Catherine Bertram's arm, and went with her
into the hall. A few moments later the brother and sisters were walking
quickly home.

"So you have come to Christian names already, Catherine," said Loftus.

"Yes," replied Catherine. "She is the very dearest girl. Have we not had
a delightful evening?"

"Delightful, truly. How did you enjoy yourself, Mab?"

"Middling," replied Mabel. "I was with Mr. Jones, and he talked about
vestments, and deplored the Rector's decision against High Church
practices. He thought we were kindred souls, but we weren't, and I told
him so. Then he turned crusty. I waltzed twice with Mr. Bell, and he
kicked my ankle, and hurt me very much. I don't think I cared much for
the party, Catherine, the people were so queer."

"Were they?" answered Catherine. "I didn't notice anything the matter
with them. I talked for a short time with Mrs. Meadowsweet, and found
her most interesting. She told me a lot about Beatrice. She thinks
Beatrice the noblest creature in the world. As I very nearly agreed with
her we got on capitally."

"What a romantic puss you are, Kate," said her brother.

She was leaning on him, and he gave her arm a playful pinch.

"You met Miss Meadowsweet on Tuesday, wasn't it? This is Friday, and she
is the 'very dearest girl in the world,' and already you are Catherine
and Beatrice to one another. Upon my word, hearts move rapidly towards
each other in certain quarters."

"In more quarters than one," replied Kate, with an arch smile. "How you
did flatter that poor little Miss Bell, Loftie. Her cheeks were like
peonies while you talked to her. You certainly had an air of great
tenderness, and I expect you have turned the poor little thing's head."

"Yes, Loftus," interrupted Mabel. "I remarked you, too, with Miss Bell.
What a little fright she is--I never could have supposed she was in your
style."

"Good gracious," began Loftus, "you didn't think--"

But Catherine in her sedate voice interrupted him.

"Beatrice and I were watching you. I laughed when I saw that expression
of tenderness filling your glorious dark eyes, but I think Bee was
vexed."

"Vexed? No, Kate, surely not vexed?"

"I think so, Loftus. She said to me--'I hope your brother is not
laughing at my little friend, Matty Bell.' Then she added, 'I