ible man. I told you I would settle this business for you.
You should hear me talk to that good Temple. I open his mind. A family
party; it will be amusing! I would not miss it for a thousand pounds.
Besides, I must go to take care of you, for you will be committing all
sorts of _betises_. I will give you one turn in the park. Jump in, _mon
enfant_. Good Armine, excellent fellow, jump in! You see, I was right;
I am always right. But I will confess to you a secret: I never was so
right as I have been in the present case. 'Tis the best business that
ever was!'

CHAPTER XXIV.

_Some Account of the Party, and Its Result_.

IN SPITE of the Count Mirabel's inspiring companionship, it must be
confessed that Ferdinand's heart failed him when he entered Mr. Temple's
house. Indeed, had it not been for the encouragement and jolly raillery
of his light-hearted friend, it is not quite clear that he would have
succeeded in ascending the staircase. A mist came over his vision as
he entered the room; various forms, indeed, glanced before him, but he
could distinguish none. He felt so embarrassed, that he was absolutely
miserable. It was Mr. Temple's hand that he found he had hold of; the
calm demeanour and bland tones of that gentleman somewhat reassured him.
Mr. Temple was cordial, and Count Mirabel hovered about Ferdinand, and
covered his confusion. Then he recognised the duchess and his mother;
they were sitting together, and he went up and saluted them. He dared
not look round for the lady of the house. Lady Bellair was talking to
his father. At last he heard his name called by the Count. 'Armine,
_mon cher_, see this beautiful work!' and Ferdinand advanced, or rather
staggered, to a window where stood the Count before a group, and in
a minute he clasped the hand of Henrietta Temple. He could not speak.
Katherine was sitting by her, and Lord Montfort standing behind her
chair. But Count Mirabel never ceased talking, and with so much art and
tact, that in a few moments he had succeeded in producing comparative
ease on all sides.

'I am so glad that you have come to-day,' said Henrietta. Her eyes
sparkled with a strange meaning, and then she suddenly withdrew her
gaze. The rose of her cheek alternately glowed and faded. It was a
moment of great embarrassment, and afterwards they often talked of it.

Dinner, however, was soon announced as served, for Mirabel and Ferdinand
had purposely arrived at the last moment. As the