"Try and not be too coquettish, Jaqueline. It makes a young girl seem very forward," Mrs. Jettson advised.
"Jane is growing unpleasant," Jaqueline thought to herself. "She wants Marian in everything."
However, after the ball and one more levee there was not much gayety in the City. Congress adjourned, senators and representatives went home to consider at their leisure the grave questions pending. Mrs. Madison was much engrossed in the judicious use of the grant Congress had made. There were some new mirrors set, some dining-room furniture and china, new curtains and hangings, and upholstery done in gorgeous brocaded yellow satin. Still further, there was added a pianoforte; and the President ordered a chariot in Philadelphia for his wife, and the two horses were increased to four. The White House was to make a character for itself.
CHAPTER VII.
THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY.
"Why, you can just ask him down as you do any other friend," said Jaqueline with an air of innocence. "I half promised he should have the invitation. You will like him ever so much. I like him," laughingly.
"But Polly is coming—"
"Don't ever let grandfather hear that 'Polly,' or he won't even leave you enough to buy a mourning ring. He thinks so highly of old English customs. What a chum he would have been for Sir Charles Grandison! Are people born too late or too early! What are you smiling at?"
"The way you leap from one thing to another."
"Which shows a variety of wit and knowledge, young collegian. Didn't Shakspere call it nimble wit? I have learned a great many things since I saw you last."
"In an hour?" incredulously, and Louis raised his fine brows.