tly admits the old fancy between them.

"Well," says Miss Murray, plaintively, "it _was_ something to be a
countess. Still, I couldn't give up the man I loved. I wonder--if he at
all resembled you when he was that young?"

"No, indeed," and Eugene assumes an air of serene audacity. "The family
beauty was kept inviolate for my sister Laura and your humble servant."

The baby blue eyes have a look of admiration that is extremely
gratifying to the young man's vanity.

The three are deeply engrossed day and evening with pleasures of all
sorts. Pauline Murray takes them with a zest that quite repays her
pretty hostess.

"Your sister-in-law is the sweetest little body in the world!" she
declares, enthusiastically. "It is quite ridiculous to think of her
being step-mother to that lovely Cecil. I wouldn't be called mamma!
Fancy Mrs. Grandon taking her into society a few years hence. Why, they
will look like sisters."

"Of course," answers Eugene, tartly. "Only an idiot would imagine it a
real relationship."

"Was she very much in love with him?" Miss Murray asks, innocently.

"I don't know," returns Eugene, rather impatiently. "I was away when it
happened. I think the marriage was hurried a little on account of Mr.
St. Vincent's illness."

Pauline Murray speculates. Eugene is very fond of his pretty
sister-in-law.

"Do you always go out together?"

"Go out together?" he repeats, with a show of anger. "Why, we never do.
At least I never took her to but one party,--my sister's,--and then
Floyd was in Baltimore."

"He and papa went to see Mr. Haviland, who was going to Europe." Miss
Murray studies him with her innocent baby eyes. Already she is wise in
the lore of women's ways, especially young married women who make a bid
for the attention of gentlemen. But she has to admit that Mrs. Grandon
is very generous of her brother-in-law, and the most delightful
chaperone.

Marcia and Mr. Wilmarth have been to Canada for a week, and return in
time to be invited to the garden party, which Floyd honestly regrets.
True, no business plans have been agreed upon; when Mr. Haviland comes
back, if a formal offer can be made, it will be time to explain.

Eugene and Miss Murray have made the garden party as perfect as zest
and large opportunity could avail. The dancing is to be a German,
principally, but here they have not madame's experience in selecting
and arranging partners. Miss Murray does not mind, since she has
secured E