asked you to be careful."

She was quite careful, but as explicit as good manners would allow.
Mrs. Lorraine was most particular in asking about Mrs. Lavender, and
in expressing her regret that they so seldom saw her.

"She has been brought up in the country, you know," said Lavender with
a smile; "and there the daughters of a house are taught a number of
domestic duties that they would consider it a sin to neglect. She
would be unhappy if you caused her to neglect them: she would take her
pleasure with a bad conscience."

"But she cannot be occupied with them all day."

"My dear Mrs. Lorraine, how often have we discussed the question! And
you know you have me at a disadvantage, for how can I describe to
you what those mysterious duties are? I only know that she is pretty
nearly always busy with something or other; and in the evening, of
course, she is generally too tired to think of going out anywhere."

"Oh, but you must try to get her out. Next Tuesday, now, Judge ---- is
going to dine with us, and you know how amusing he is. If you have
no other engagement, couldn't you bring Mrs. Lavender to dine with us
on that evening?"

Now, on former occasions something of the same sort of invitation
had frequently been given, and it was generally answered by Lavender
giving an excuse for his wife, and promising to come himself. What was
his astonishment to find Mrs. Lorraine plainly and most courteously
intimating that the invitation was addressed distinctly to Mr. and