Hers were tears that dried as soon as they had served their end; and, to give him the full benefit of his conduct, she said: 'I knew Evan would be persuaded by me.' Evan pitifully pressed her hand, and sighed.
'Tea is on the table down-stairs,' said Mrs.Mel.

'I have cooked something for you, Louisa.

Do you sleep here to-night ?' 'Can I tell you, Mama ?' murmured the Countess.

'I am dependent on our Evan.' 'Oh! well, we will eat first,' said Mrs.Mel, and they went to the table below, the Countess begging her mother to drop titles in designating her to the servants, which caused Mrs.Mel to say: 'There is but one.

I do the cooking'; and the Countess, ever disposed to flatter and be suave, even when stung by a fact or a phrase, added: 'And a beautiful cook you used to be, dear Mama!' At the table, awaiting them, sat Mrs.Wishaw, Mrs.Fiske, and Mr.Goren, who soon found themselves enveloped in the Countess's graciousness.