Lucia had been invited, but Maurice, who arrived late, had brought a hasty note from her, excusing herself on the plea of her mother's not being well.

Little notice was taken at the time, for all knew that Mrs.Costello had been looking ill lately, and it was therefore probable enough that she might be too much indisposed for Lucia to leave her.

But later in the evening, when they were tired with dancing, a group of girls began to chatter as they sat in a corner.
"I wonder what is the matter with Mrs.Costello," said one.

"Lucia seems to me to go out very little lately." "She is better employed at home," replied another.
"You should have brought Mr.Percy, Bella," said Magdalen Scott.
"You did not invite him; and beside, I think we are better off without him." "Why?
Don't you like him ?" "Tolerably well, but I am getting tired of him." "Tired of him already ?" "I'm not like you, Magdalen; I could not be content to spend my life looking at one person." Magdalen blushed a little, but answered rather sharply, "You mean to be an old maid, I suppose, then ?" "I think I shall.

At any rate, I should if I were to be always required to be looking at or thinking about a man when I had married him." Mrs.Scott here called her daughter away, and May Anderson asked, "Why are you always teasing Magdalen so, Bella?
She does not like it, I am sure." "She should not be so stupid.