"'I gave up being astonished a good many years ago,' said he, 'but I confess the conduct of that eccentric young gentleman almost surprises me.'
"I am afraid my smile expressed something like contempt.
"'Wasn't it Rochefoucault who said, a woman is happiest when most deceived?' he asked, with a glance towards his wife. 'Either he or some other misanthropic old Frenchman; but whoever it was, master James has evidently read and remembered the maxim.'
"'What conspiracy are you and Mabel hatching?' laughed Mrs. Harrington from her chair.
"'Just at this instant,' returned the General, 'I am telling Miss Mabel that she looks a little pale and out of spirits.'
"'She has been kept in the house too much since you went away,' his wife said. 'Mabel, dear, James must take you and Miss Eaton to drive.'
"'I dare say he has engagements,' I answered carelessly. 'The courier can go with us perfectly well, and with him we can take the liberty of changing our minds as often as we please, about what we shall do.'
"'And that, I suppose, is a great happiness to young ladies,' said the General, playfully.
"'At all events, it is the charge made against us from time immemorial,' I replied, trying to speak in the same tone.
"'I am sure Mabel is not given to changing her mind,' said Mrs. Harrington.