"You seem to have great confidence in your own opinion, Mr.
Berkeley," retorted Miss Simpkins, who, be it said, was a girl of
much moral stamina, having an aversion to conceited young men, and
let no opportunity slip when she could give a home-thrust.
"Pray don't be so captious, Lottie; I am certain that Mr. Berkeley's
opinions are always founded on correct observation," timidly
ventured a mild-looking little woman, whose speech had no other
motive than a desire to throw oil on troubled waters.
As the game progressed, the party became more interested, and after
an hour or more thus engaged Miss Simpkins was congratulated on her
run of good luck; and Mr. Tracy, to show his appreciation of her
ability, turned out some pretty compliments.
"Where is Mr. Arnold to-night, Mr. Tracy?" asked one of the guests,
as the party stood in the hall making their adieux to the hostess.
"I cannot say," replied the young man, tugging at his great coat
with more vehemence than was necessary, but affording relief to hide
this oracular reply.
"Oh! you need not ask that question," exclaimed a voice near; "we
all know that he is at 'Sunnybank,' paying his devoirs to the
peerless Evelyn.
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