awkwardness, but really I could not
help myself, I was so pushed by the crowd," was said in Daisy's ear in a
rich Irish brogue, and turning partly round she saw a fair-haired young
man, scarcely two years older than herself, with a look of genuine
distress upon his aristocratic but boyish face, as he continued: "I hope
I have not ruined the dress, and it is such a pretty one!"

"I am sure you could not help it, but I am awful sorry, for it is my
very best gown; but then I can afford another now, for I gained twelve
pounds to-day," Daisy said, gathering up her torn skirt, and thus
showing to good advantage her pretty feet, and the fluted ruffles on her
white petticoat.

"Daisy!" Archie said, reproachfully, for he did not like her speaking
thus freely to a stranger, "Let's get out of this;" and he made his way
to the open air, followed by the young man who still kept apologizing
for his awkwardness, until Archie lost all patience, and said a little
hotly, "I tell you, it is of no consequence. My wife can afford
another."

"Your wife!" the young Irishman repented with a gasp. "Is it possible? I
thought she was your sister. She looks so young. Your wife?"

"Yes, my wife! and I am Archibald McPherson, of Stoneleigh, Bangor, in
Wales," Archie answered, fiercely, and with a look which he meant should
annihilate the enemy, who, not in the least abashed, because he really
meant no harm, lifted his soft hat very respectfully, as he replied:

"Mr. McPherson, I am glad to make your acquaintance. I was in Bangor
last year, at the George Hotel, and heard your name mentioned. I am Lord
Frederic Hardy, of Dublin, better known there as Ted Hardy, of Hardy
Manor, and I am out on a spree, running myself, independent of tutors
and guardians, and all that sort of thing; bores I consider the whole
lot of them, though my guardian, fortunately, is the best-natured and
most liberal old cove in the world, and gives me mostly all I want. I
think it a streak of luck to have met you here, where I know nobody and
nobody knows me, I hope we may be friends."

His manner, so friendly and so familiar, mollified Archie, who had heard
of the young Irish lord, whose income was L10,000 a year, and who spent
his money lavishly during the few days he was at the George, while
Daisy, who held a title in great veneration, was enraptured with this
young peer who treated her I like an equal. And so it came that in half
an hour's time the three were the best