Well, once is enough in a lifetime." "Mr.Hardy," said Kate Nugent, again, in a low voice, "I should be so much obliged if you would take Mrs.Kybird away.

She seems bent on quarrelling with my aunt.

It is very awkward." It was difficult to resist the entreaty, but Mr.Hardy had a very fair idea of the duration of Miss Nugent's gratitude; and, besides that, Murchison was only too plainly enjoying his discomfiture.
"She can get home alone all right," he whispered.
Miss Nugent drew herself up disdainfully; Dr.Murchison, looking scandalized at his brusqueness, hastened to the rescue.
"As a medical man," he said, with a considerable appearance of gravity, "I don't think that Mrs.Kybird ought to go home alone." "Think not ?" inquired Hardy, grimly.
"Certain of it," breathed the doctor.
"Well, why don't you take her ?" retorted Hardy; "it's all on your way.
I have some news for Miss Nugent." Miss Nugent looked from one to the other, and mischievous lights appeared in her eyes as she gazed at the carefully groomed and fastidious Murchison.

From them she looked to the other side of the room, where Mrs.Kybird was stolidly eyeing Mrs.Kingdom, who was trying in vain to appear ignorant of the fact.
[Illustration: "The carefully groomed and fastidious Murchison."] "Thank you very much," said Miss Nugent, turning to the doctor.
"I'm sorry," began Murchison, with an indignant glance at his rival.
"Oh, as you please," said the girl, coldly.

"Pray forgive me for asking you." "If you really wish it," said the doctor, rising.