"If you think Anne a half-bred person, Lady Lundie, you stand alone in your opinion.

My uncle doesn't agree with you, I'm sure." Sir Patrick's interest in the first quadrille became almost painful to see.

"_Do_ tell me, my dear, when _is_ the dancing going to begin ?" "The sooner the better," interposed Lady Lundie; "before Blanche picks another quarrel with me on the subject of Miss Silvester." Blanche looked at her uncle.

"Begin! begin! Don't lose time!" cried the ardent Sir Patrick, pointing toward the house with his cane.

"Certainly, uncle! Any thing that _you_ wish!" With that parting shot at her step-mother, Blanche withdrew.