“I suppose,” said Mrs. Morland, “she intends asking some of her friends to meet us, in case we accept the invitation; and therefore is naturally desirous of a reply as soon as possible.  Of course we will not keep her in suspense.  Mrs. Denham, who volunteered the letter, assured me that Mrs. Watkinson was one of the most estimable women in New York, and a pattern to the circle in which she moved.  It seems that Mr. Denham and Mr. Watkinson are connected in business.  Shall we go?”

The young people assented, saying they had no doubt of passing a pleasant evening.

The billet of acceptance having been written, it was sent off immediately, entrusted to one of the errand-goers belonging to the hotel, that it might be received in advance of the next hour for the dispatch-post—­and Edward Morland desired the man to get into an omnibus with the note that no time might be lost in delivering it.  “It is but right”—­said he to his mother—­“that we should give Mrs. Watkinson an ample opportunity of making her preparations, and sending round to invite her friends.”

“How considerate you are, dear Edward”—­said Caroline—­“always so thoughtful of every one’s convenience.  Your college friends must have idolized you.”

“No”—­said Edward—­“they called me a prig.”  Just then a remarkably handsome carriage drove up to the private door of the hotel.  From it alighted a very elegant woman, who in a few moments was ushered into the drawing-room by the head waiter, and on his designating Mrs. Morland’s family, she advanced and gracefully announced herself as Mrs. St. Leonard.  This was the lady at whose house they had left the first letter of introduction.  She expressed regret at not having been at home when they called; but said that on finding their letter, she had immediately come down to see them, and to engage them for the evening.  “Tonight”—­said Mrs. St. Leonard—­“I expect as many friends as I can collect for a summer party.  The occasion is the recent marriage of my niece, who with her husband has just returned from their bridal excursion, and they will be soon on their way to their residence in Baltimore.  I think I can promise you an agreeable evening, as I expect some very delightful people, with whom I shall be most happy to make you acquainted.”

Edward and Caroline exchanged glances, and could not refrain from looking wistfully at their mother, on whose countenance a shade of regret was very apparent.  After a short pause she replied to Mrs. St. Leonard—­“I am truly sorry to say that we have just answered in the affirmative a previous invitation for this very evening.”