Jael summoned all her fortitude, and shook hands with him in silence.  They parted, and she fought down her tears, and he went gayly home to his mother.  She told him she had made several visits, and been cordially received.  “And this is how I paved the way for you.  So, mind!  I said my brother Raby wished you to take his name, and be his heir; but you had such a love of manufactures and things, you could not be persuaded to sit down as a country gentleman.  ‘Indeed,’ I said, his ’love of the thing is so great that, in order to master it in all its branches, nothing less would serve him than disguising himself, and going as a workman.  But now,’ I said, ’he has had enough of that, so he has set up a small factory, and will, no doubt, soon achieve a success.’  Then I told them about you and Dr. Amboyne.  Your philanthropic views did not interest them for a single moment; but I could see the poor dear doctor’s friendship was a letter of introduction.  There will be no difficulty, dear.  There shall be none.  What society Hillsborough boasts, shall open its arms to you.”

“But I’m afraid I shall make mistakes.”

“Our first little parties shall be given in this house.  Your free and easy way will be excused in a host; the master of the house has a latitude; and, besides, you and I will rehearse.  By the way, please be more careful about your nails; and you must always wear gloves when you are not working; and every afternoon you will take a lesson in dancing with me.”

“I say, mother, do you remember teaching me to dance a minuet, when I was little?”

“Perfectly.  We took great pains; and, at last, you danced it like an angel.  And, shall I tell you, you carry yourself very gracefully?—­well, that is partly owing to the minuet.  But a more learned professor will now take you in hand.  He will be here tomorrow at five o’clock.”

Mrs. Little’s rooms being nearly square, she set up a round table, at which eight could dine.  But she began with five or six.

Henry used to commit a solecism or two.  Mrs. Little always noticed them, and told him.  He never wanted telling twice.  He was a genial young fellow, well read in the topics of the day, and had a natural wit; Mrs. Little was one of those women who can fascinate when they choose; and she chose now; her little parties rose to eight; and as, at her table, everybody could speak without rudeness to everybody else, this round table soon began to eclipse the long tables of Hillsborough in attraction.

She and Henry went out a good deal; and, at last, that which Mrs. Little’s good sense had told her must happen, sooner or later, took place.  They met.

He was standing talking with one of the male guests, when the servant announced Miss Carden; and, whilst his heart was beating high, she glided into the room, and was received by the mistress of the house with all that superabundant warmth which ladies put on and men don’t:  guess why?