ys later, he heard
Kate's rippling laughter and sounds of unusual merriment, and, on coming
out into view of the house, beheld her engaged in executing a waltz on
the veranda, with Duke as a partner. The latter, in his efforts to
oblige his young mistress and at the same time preserve his own dignity,
presented so ludicrous a spectacle that Darrell was unable to restrain
his risibility. Hearing his peals of laughter and finding herself
discovered, Kate rather hastily released her partner, and the collie,
glad to be once more permitted the use of four feet, bounded down the
steps to give Darrell his customary welcome, his mistress following
slowly with somewhat heightened color.

Darrell at once apologized for his hilarity, pleading as an excuse
Duke's comical appearance.

"We both must have made a ridiculous appearance," she replied, "but as
Duke seems to have forgiven you, I suppose I must, and I think I had
better explain such undignified conduct on my part. Auntie has just told
me that she is going to give a grand reception for me two weeks from
to-day, or, really, two of them, for there is to be an afternoon
reception from three until six for her acquaintances, with a few young
ladies to assist me in receiving; and then, in the evening, I am to have
a reception of my own. We are going to send nearly two hundred
invitations to Galena, besides our friends here. Papa is going to have
the ball-room on the top floor fitted up for the occasion, and we are
to have an orchestra from Galena, and altogether it will be quite 'the
event of the season.' Now do you wonder," she added, archly, "that I
seized hold of the first object that came in my way and started out for
a waltz?"

"Not in the least," Darrell answered, his dark eyes full of merriment.
"I only wish I had been fortunate enough to have arrived a little
earlier."

A mischievous response to his challenge sparkled in Kate's eyes for a
moment, but she only replied, demurely,--

"You shall have your opportunity later."

"When?"

"Two weeks from to-night."

"Ah! am I to be honored with an invitation?"

"Most assuredly you will be invited," Kate replied, quietly; then added,
shyly, "and I myself invite you personally, here and now, and that is
honoring you as no other guest of mine will be honored."

"Thank you," he replied, gently, with one of his tender smiles; "I
accept the personal invitation for your sake."

She was standing on the topmost stair, slight