“Fast?”

“I didn’t say that.  They certainly have not the vivacity and fascination that I am discovering in your drawing-room.”

“Why, Mr. Merwyn! one would think you had come to America on a voyage of discovery, and were surprised at the first thing you saw.”

“I think I could show you things abroad that would interest you.”

“All Europe could not tempt me to go abroad at this time.  In your estimation I am not even a woman,—­only a girl, and yet I have enough girlhood to wish to take my little part in the events of the day.”

He colored, but asked, quietly, “What part are you taking?”

“Such questions,” she replied, with a merry, half-mocking flash of her eyes, “I answer by deeds.  There are those who know;” and then, being addressed by Mr. Lane, she turned away, leaving him with confused, but more decided sensations than he had known for a long time.

His first impulse was to leave the house, but this course would only subject him to ridicule on the part of those who remained.  After a moment or two of reflection he remembered that she had not invited him, and that she had said nothing essentially rude.  He had merely chosen to occupy a position in regard to his country that differed radically from hers, and she had done little more than define her position.

“She is a Northern, as mamma is a Southern fanatic, with the difference that she is a young, effervescing creature, bubbling over with the excitement of the times,” he thought.  “That fellow in uniform, and the society of men like Strahan and Lane, haye turned her head, and she has not seen enough of life to comprehend a man of the world.  What do I care for her, or any here?  Her briery talk should only amuse me.  When she learns more about who I am and what I possess she will be inclined to imitate her discreet mamma and think of the main chance; meanwhile I escape a summer’s dulness and ennui;” and so he philosophically continued his observations and chatted with Mrs. Vosburgh and others until, with Strahan, he took his departure, receiving from Marian a bow merely, while to Strahan she gave her hand cordially.

“You seem to be decidedly in Miss Vosburgh’s good graces,” said Merwyn, as they drove away.

“I told you she was my friend.”

“Is it very difficult to become her friend?”

“Well, that depends.  You should not find it difficult, since you are so greatly my superior.”

“Oh, come, Strahan.”

“Pardon me, I forgot I was to express only my own thoughts, not yours.”

“You don’t know my thoughts or circumstances.  Come now, let us be good comrades.  I will begin by thanking you cordially for introducing me to a charming young girl.  I am sure I put on no airs this evening.”

“They would not have been politic, Merwyn, and, for the life of me, I can see no reason for them.”

“Very well.  Therefore you didn’t see any.  How like old times we are!  We were always together, yet always sparring a little.”