is not that,' said Laura, wishing she could keep from blushing.

'It is the only motive that could excuse his extraordinary behaviour.'

'Surely you know he says that he is growing unsettled. It is part of his
rule of self discipline.'

'Absurd!--exaggerated!--incredible! This is the same story as there was
about the horse. It is either caprice or temper, and I am convinced
that some change in your manner--nay, I say unconscious, and am far from
blaming you--is the cause. Why else did he devote himself to Charles,
and leave you all on my uncle's hands in the crowd?'

'We could shift for ourselves much better than Charlie.'

'This confirms my belief that my warning was not mistimed. I wish it
could have been done without decidedly mortifying him and rousing his
temper, because I am sorry others should be slighted; but if he takes
your drawing back so much to heart, it shows that it was time you should
do so.'

'If I thought I had!'

'It was visible to others--to another, I should say.'

'O, that is only Eveleen's nonsense! The only difference I am conscious
of having made, was keeping more up-stairs, and not trying to persuade
him to come here to-night.'

'I have no doubt it was this that turned the scale, He only waited for
persuasion, and you acted very wisely in not flattering his self-love.'

'Did I?--I did not know it.'

'A woman's instinct is often better than reasoning, Laura; to do the
right thing without knowing why. But come, I suppose we must play our
part in the pageant of the night.'

For that evening Laura, contrary to the evidence of her senses, was
persuaded by her own lover that Guy was falling in love with her; and
after musing all through the dance, she said, 'What do you think of the
scheme that has been started for my going to Ireland with papa?'

'Your going to Ireland?'

'Yes; you know none of us, except papa, have seen grandmamma since
Charles began to be ill, and there is some talk of his taking me with
him when he goes this summer.'

'I knew he was going, but I thought it was not to be till later in the
year--not till after the long vacation.'

'So he intended, but he finds he must be at home before the end of
October, and it would suit him best to go in August.'

'Then what becomes of Guy?'

'He stays at Hollywell. It will be much better for Charles to have him
there while papa is away. I thought when the plan was first mentioned I
should be sorry, except that it is quite