Miss Framley's idea of an earl or a duke was a tall, majestic person, attired in purple and fine linen, with high-bred, aristocratic features, that might readily distinguish him from inferior beings.
"Oh, how I envy you the privilege of knowing him! Did you really become intimate?"
"Very!" answered Major Ashton, concealing under a grave face the amusement he felt. "He told me confidentially how disagreeable his mother-in-law, the Countess of Somerset, was, and asked my advice as to how to manage her."
"How interesting!" ejaculated Miss Framley, opening wide her eyes, as she speedily swallowed the major's words.
She felt that it was something to know the intimate mind of an earl. She remained till the end of the party, and went home fully persuaded that Major Ashton admired her.
"Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, "are you at leisure this evening?"
"Yes, mother, if you have anything for me to do."
Paul had another plan for the evening, but he felt that duty required him to defer that, and place himself at the service of his mother. In this he showed a good feeling and sense of duty which may well be copied by such of my readers as are young and dependent upon their parents for more than they fully understand.
"I don't like to take up your time when you have been all day at work for us."
"Never mind that, mother. Why, I enjoy my work. I should feel lost without it."
"I have got Miss Dearborn's work done, Paul, and if you can spare time, I should like to have you take it to her."
"I am perfectly ready to do that, mother," said Paul, promptly, "I shall be glad to see her on my own account."
"I don't know how much I ought to charge her for the work," said Mrs. Palmer, reflecting.
"I don't believe she will object to your price, mother, whatever it is. She is quite a different young lady from Miss Framley."
"Then you may say two dollars, if she asks the price," said his mother.
The work was neatly done up, and Paul took charge of it.
At about eight o'clock he ascended the steps of Mrs. Sheldon's handsome house, and rang the bell.
"Is Miss Dearborn at home?" he asked of the servant who answered his summons.
"Yes," answered Grace, smiling, for she chanced to hear the question as she passed through the hall. "Good-evening, Paul. How is your little sister?"