"You will be at the reception to-night, my dear?" exclaimed the
blonde beauty as she rose to go.
Mrs. Verne glanced at her daughter for answer and was pained to see
the utter serenity of the pale but interesting face.
"Miss Verne has been slightly indisposed to-day and I fear that she
will plead that as excuse to remain with Muggins."
"You naughty little thing," said her ladyship, poking the said
Muggins with the top of her parasol and exciting lively responses
from his poodleship, then turning to Mrs. Verne exclaimed, "Mrs.
Arnold is looking well. It really seems to me that you Canadians
have found the long-sought elixir of youth and beauty."
"You are inclined to flattery Lady Gertrude, but if you should ever
visit New Brunswick you will find many pretty women."
"Now, my dear Mrs. Verne, _you_ are inclined to teaze," cried
her ladyship. You know full well that it is the gentlemen in whom I
am solely interested. What have you to say in _their_ behalf."
"New Brunswick can boast of many handsome, brave and clever men,"
was the reply, and this time Mrs. Verne spoke the truth.
"Oh well, I shall, perhaps, go and see for myself. Good-bye Mrs.
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