ly escaped their ears.

"I beg your pardon," rejoined Cottrell; "I did not know your sympathies
were so strong. I am, of course," he continued, in mocking tones,
"prepared to condole with his family over Jim's defeat; but I must
comfort you in your affliction by reminding you that the loss of one
point does not mean the loss of the rubber."

"Thank you," replied Sylla. "I have ranged myself to-day on the side
of the Hussars; and my champions are not always defeated, as you may
remember."

"I trust," replied Mr. Cottrell, laughing, "you will have a good
afternoon. I reverence you as a young lady who wagers with infinite
discretion." And so saying, he moved off to talk to other acquaintance.

Lionel Beauchamp had seated himself next Blanche, and, assisted by a
slight movement of the young lady's chair in his favour, found that he
had successfully obtained the _tete-a-tete_ for which he had manoeuvred.

"I want you to do me a favour, Miss Bloxam," he observed.

"Certainly, Mr. Beauchamp, if I can; what is it?"

"I want you to promise to join a water party that four of us are
organizing for this day fortnight; but we mean to go down the river
instead of up. We intend chartering a steamer, and so be quite
independent, as we shall carry our own commissariat with us."

"I have no doubt mamma will say yes if we have no other engagement.
But favour for favour--I have one to ask of you; will you grant it?"

"I answer as you did--most certainly if I can."

"Ah, but you must answer differently; you must say 'certainly' without
any conditions."

"That is impossible; one cannot quite pledge oneself to that. It is
not very likely that I shall refuse you."

"But you are refusing me now. I want you to say 'certainly' without
any reservation whatever."

"And I can only reply as I did before, Miss Bloxam, that it is
impossible. No sensible person could ever do that. It is very
improbable that you should ask me, but it is possible that you might
wish me, to do something that I was bound to say 'no' to. I repeat,
improbable but possible. Won't you tell me what it is? You may be
quite sure it is already granted if within my power."

"But it is quite within your power," replied Blanche; "you can do it if
you choose. Why won't you say 'yes'?"

"Tell me what it is," he answered, more determined than ever not to
yield to her unreasonable demand. He was not obstinate, but Lionel
Beauchamp had a will of his own, and