"No, Miss Beaufort exclaimed _you_ were not to come. She doesn't want youboth together," exclaimed the tiny child decidedly.

Jean gave him a significant look, shrugged her shoulders, and went awaysmiling her odd smile, while Coventry paced up and down the hall in acurious state of unrest, which made him forgetful of everything till theyoung people came gaily out to supper.

"Come, bonny Prince Charlie, take me down, and play the lover ascharmingly as you did an hour ago. I never thought you had so muchwarmth in you," said Bella, taking his arm and drawing him onagainst his will.

"Don't be foolish, kid. Where is--Lucia?"

Why he checked Jean's name on his lips and substituted another's, hecould not tell; but a sudden shyness in speaking of her possessed him,and though he saw her nowhere, he would not ask for her. His cousin camedown looking lovely in a classical costume; but Gerald scarcely saw her,and, when the merriment was at its height, he slipped away to discoverwhat had become of Miss Muir.