as hot with blushes.

"Oh, ho! one too many, am I?" she cried, entering without ceremony.
"Why, sister Bessie, I haven't seen you blush so since that day when
Mrs. Harrington would insist on it that you recognised a certain
person."

Elizabeth was so confused by the sudden rush of joy sweeping through her
whole being, that she did not remark this speech; but her husband did,
and withdrew his arm gently from her support. She looked up, and saw
that he was changed within the minute.

"I'm glad to find you looking so amiable," said Elsie, going up to the
glass, and threading her curls out into fluffy and beautiful confusion;
"for I've thought of something that would make this place delightful,
just as you are going away, Grant. Besides," she added, looking down and
coloring a little, "people will get such ideas into their heads, and say
such things. It is quite necessary to let them see how very happy you
and Bessie are together, or they never will believe that you are not
running away from her."

"What!" demanded Mellen almost sternly,--"What are you saying, Elsie?"

"Oh, it's dreadful; I've been crying about it half the night; but a
splendid ball, or something of that sort, will put everything on velvet.
Nothing like champagne and the _et ceteras_ to stop people's mouths."

"A ball! Why, Elsie, what is your mind running on?"

"The idea is dreadful, I know; and just as you are leaving us, when
every moment is precious as a grain of gold. But it's really necessary.
If you go off without seeing people, Grant, they will be sure to say
that you and Bessie have quarreled, and all sorts of horrid things about
her being melancholy, and you--well it's no use repeating these
speeches, but the ball we must have. Bessie shall entertain them like a
princess; as for poor little me, I'm good for nothing but dancing."

She gave a waltzing step or two, and whirled herself before the mirror
again.

"Well, who shall we invite?" she said, gazing at the pretty image that
smiled back her admiration. "I made out a list this morning in my room;
shall I bring it?"

She ran into her room and came out again with a handful of engraved
cards, some of them already filled in.

"I knew, of course, that the ball was to be, so had the cards struck
off. Tom Fuller brought them down. Just add what names you please,
Bessie, and we will leave the rest to Mrs. Harrington."

"Why, Elsie!" began Mrs. Mellen.

"Well, what is it?"

"How can you