a good deal wearied, very jaded, and, if the confession may
be made, a little sick of each other; they parted pretty much as the
members of such day-long excursions are wont to do,--not at all sorry to
have reached home again, and brought their trip of pleasure to an end.
Twining, of course, was the same happy-natured, gay, volatile creature
that he set out in the morning. Everything went well with him, the
world had but one aspect, which was a pleasant one, and he laughed and
muttered, "What fun!" as in half-dogged silence the party wended their
way through the garden towards the house.

"I hope these little girls may not have caught cold," said the Viscount,
as he stood with Twining on the terrace, after saying "Good-night!"

"I hope so, with all my heart. Charming girls--most fascinating--father
so amiable."

"Isn't that Dunn's apartment we see the light in?" asked the other, half
impatiently. "I 'll go and make him a visit."

"Overjoyed to see you, greatly flattered by the attention," chimed in
Twining; and while he rubbed his hands over the enchanting prospect,
Lord Lackington walked away.

Not waiting for any announcement, and turning the handle of the door
immediately after he had knocked at it, the Viscount entered. Whether
Dunn had heard him or not, he never stirred from the table where he was
writing, but continued engrossed by his occupation till his Lordship
accosted him.

"I have come to disturb you, I fear, Dunn?"

"Oh! Lord Lackington, your most obedient. Too happy to be honored by
your presence at any time. Just returned, I conclude?"

"Yes, only this moment," said the Viscount, sighing weariedly. "These
picnics are stupid inventions; they fatigue and they exhaust. They give
little pleasure at the time, and none whatever to look back upon."

"Your Lordship's picture is rather a dreary one," said Dunn, smiling.

"Perfectly correct, I assure you; I went simply to oblige some country
folks of yours. The O'Reillys,--nice little girls,--very natural, very
pretty creatures; but the thing is a bore. I never knew any one who
enjoyed it except the gentleman who gets tipsy, and _he_ has an awful
retribution in the next day's headache,--the terrible headache of iced
rum punch."

Dunn laughed, because he saw that his Lordship expected as much; and the
Viscount resumed,--

"I am vexed, besides, at the loss of time; I wanted to have my morning
with _you_ here."

Dunn bowed graciously, but did not speak