Dr.Morton, the most desirable _parti_ in Cacouna, was literally, as well as figuratively, at Bella's feet, and Maurice leaned on the railing beside them.

Mr.Percy was happier than he had been all day; he had been taken possession of by a pretty young matron--an Englishwoman, who still talked of "home," and they had found out some mutual acquaintance, of whom she was eager to hear news.

Yet he was not too much engrossed to perceive the group opposite to him, or even to keep up a kind of half-conscious surveillance over them.

At the landing the party dispersed, almost all to meet again in the evening at the unfinished house, which had been appropriated for a ball-room.

Mrs.Bellairs drove her sister and Lucia home, leaving Mr.Bellairs and Mr.Percy to follow; and when they arrived, the ladies had shut themselves up in their rooms, to drink tea and rest before dressing.
At nine o'clock, while Mr.Percy was finishing his toilette, his host knocked at the door.