raised her work, "it is the last of the dozen, Cornelia."

"You make me ashamed of my idleness, mother. Have I been a long time
away?"

"Longer than was unnecessary, I think."

"I went to Embree's for the linen thread, and he had just opened some
English gauzes and lute-strings. Mrs. Willets was choosing a piece for a
new gown, for she is to dine with the President next week, and she was
so polite as to ask my opinion about the goods. Afterwards, I walked to
Wall Street with her; and coming back I met, on Broadway, Lieutenant
Hyde--and he gave me these flowers--they came from Prince's nursery
gardens--and, then, he walked home with me. Was it wrong? I mean was it
polite--I mean the proper thing to permit? I knew not how to prevent
it."

"How often have you met Lieutenant Hyde?"

"I met him for the first time last night. He was at the Sylvesters', and
I danced three times with him."

"That was too often."

"He talked with father, and father did not oppose my dancing."

"Your father thinks of nothing, now, but the Capital question. I dare
say, after he had asked Lieutenant Hyde how he felt on that subject he
never thought of the young man again. And pray what did Lieutenant Hyde
say to you this afternoon?"