she
could not render herself a reason, and her heart beat so much that it
was at once a relief and a disappointment that she was obliged to accept
her other cousin as her first partner. Philip had already asked Lady
Eveleen, for he neither wished to appear too eager in claiming Laura,
nor to let his friend think he had any dislike to the Irish girl.

Eveleen was much pleased to have him for her partner, and told herself
she would be on her good behaviour. It was a polka, and there was not
much talk, which, perhaps, was all the better for her. She admired the
review, and the luncheon, and spoke of Charles without any sauciness,
and Philip was condescending and agreeable.

'I must indulge myself in abusing that stupid cousin of yours!' said
she. Did you ever know a man of such wonderful crotchets?'

'This is a very unexpected one,' said Philip.

'It came like a thunder clap. I thought till the last moment he was
joking, for he likes dancing so much; he was the life of our ball, and
how could any one suppose he would fly off at the last moment?'

'He seems rather to enjoy doing things suddenly.'

'I tell Laura she has affronted him,' said Eveleen, laughing. 'She has
been always busy of late when we have wanted her; and I assure her his
pride has been piqued. Don't you think that is an explanation, Captain
Morville?'

It was Captain Morvilles belief, but he would not say so.

'Isn't Laura looking lovely?' Eveleen went on. 'I am sure she is
the beauty of the night!' She was pleased to see Captain Morville's
attention gained. 'She is even better dressed than at our ball--those
Venetian pins suit the form of her head so well. Her beauty is better
than almost any one's, because she has so much countenance.'

'True,' said Philip.

'How proud Maurice looks of having her on his arm. Does not he? Poor
Maurice! he is desperately in love with her!'

'As is shown by his pining melancholy.'

Eveleen laughed with her clear hearty laugh. 'I see you know what we
mean by being desperately in love! No,' she added more gravely, 'I am
very glad it is only _that_ kind of desperation. One could not think of
Maurice and Laura together. He does not know the best part of Laura.'

Eveleen was highly flattered by Captain Morville conducting her a second
time round the room, instead of at once restoring her to her aunt.

He secured Laura next, and leading her away from her own party, said,
'Laura, have you been overdoing it?'

'It