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"I am sure mine is not, and never will be on this earth." Mrs. Braefield did not hear this low-voiced observation. She was looking about for Lily; and perceiving her at last as the children who surrounded her were dispersing to renew the dance, she took Kenelm's arm, led him to the young lady, and a formal introduction took place.
"Do stay at least till to-morrow," said Mrs. Braefield. Kenelm hesitated still; and while hesitating his eye rested on Lily, leaning on the arm of a middle-aged lady, and approaching the hostess, evidently to take leave. "I cannot resist so tempting an invitation," said Kenelm, and he fell back a little behind Lily and her companion. "Thank you much for so pleasant a day," said Mrs.
Mrs. Braefield, "Seventeen! A very anxious age for a girl; an age in which dolls cease and lovers begin." Mrs. Cameron, not so languidly, but still quietly, "Lily never cared much for dolls, never much for lifeless pets; and as to lovers, she does not dream of them." Mrs. Braefield, briskly, "There is no age after six in which girls do not dream of lovers. And here another question arises.
"And from that moment," said Mrs. Braefield, passionately, "my whole heart leaped to him. And now you know all; and here we are at the Lodge."
Time flew past while Kenelm talked with Will and the old mother, for Jessie was soon summoned back to the shop; and Kenelm was startled when he found the half-hour's grace allowed to him was over, and Jessie put her head in at the door and said, "Mrs. Braefield is waiting for you."
The child left Kenelm's side and ran after her friend, soon overtook, but did not succeed in arresting her steps. Lily did not pause till she had reached the grassy ball-room, and here all the children came round her and shut out her delicate form from Kenelm's sight. Before he had reached the place, Mrs. Braefield met him. "Lily is come!" "I know it: I have seen her." "Is not she beautiful?"
By this time they had passed out of the circle through the little wicket opposite the path by which Kenelm had entered, and opening at once on the lawn. Here at some distance the children were grouped; some reclined on the grass, some walking to and fro, in the interval of the dance.... Before he had reached the place, Mrs. Braefield met him. "Lily is come!" "I know it I have seen her."
A man of broad smooth forehead, keen hazel eyes, firm lips and jaw; with a happy contentment in himself, his house, the world in general, mantling over his genial smile, and outspoken in the metallic ring of his voice. "You will stay and dine with us, of course," said Mr. Braefield; "and unless you want very much to be in town to-night, I hope you will take a bed here." Kenelm hesitated.
"And if I go you will talk to me? I am afraid of Mr. Braefield. He is so wise." "I will save you from him, and will not utter a grain of wisdom." "Aunty, I will go." Here Lily made a bound and caught up Blanche, who, taking her kisses resignedly, stared with evident curiosity upon Kenelm. Here a bell within the house rang the announcement of luncheon. Mrs.
I hope you are not going to do so?" "My doubts were not necessarily of a religious nature. Pagans have entertained them." "Whatever they were I am pleased to see they did not prevent your return," said Mrs. Braefield, graciously. "But where have you found a lodging; why not have come to us? My husband would have been scarcely less glad than myself to receive you."
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