fat little dame danced with her eyes, though she might not with her feet, and gazed in envy on the figures, remembering her own gay days of youth. The fathers of the village, too, were gathered in; and boys and girls, who now impatiently awaited the coming of that time, whose passage they were destined to regret. After the first "set," the master, having given the example, consigned Marie to another partner, and devoted himself to the comfort and enjoyment of others. Cool, light beverages and delicate spicy-cakes, were passed about from time to time by the little negroes; and, at eleven, a supply of strong hot coffee, accompanied by viands more substantial, was served to every guest.
While the dancers were standing in their places, to do honor to this favorite stimulant, two gentlemen advanced from the line of spectators, and approached the spot where Marie was chatting with her partner. The younger of these, who was a rather handsome man of perhaps five-and-twenty, with an air of quiet grace and thorough good breeding, pressed the hand which Marie timidly extended him, glanced for a moment at the rapidly-changing color in her face, and then introduced his companion—a tall, middle-aged man, with the keen look of an attorney.
"Mr. Beman," said De Cheville, "informs me that he knew your grandfather, in Kentucky, and ———"
"And," interrupted the elder, with a somewhat elaborate bow, "desired this introduction as much on account of his grand-daughter's own attractions, as of her relation to his old friend."
Marie inclined her head rather coldly; for she was somewhat shocked at the breadth of the opening compliment; but hastened to say, as if conscious of the ungraciousness of her manner:
"I am always glad to meet any one from Kentucky; and my mother will be happy to see you at our house."
"He was just asking me to take him thither," said De Cheville, "when I told him you were here."
"And justified his ardent praises," added Beman, with a laugh, "by pointing you out."
De Cheville glanced at Marie with a conscious blush; but she turned away her face, to cover a confusion, which, however, gave him