XI.

SOCIETY LIFE IN LONDON.

On a pleasant afternoon Lord Upperton was once more ushered into the Newville mansion. Mrs. Newville being absent, he was graciously received by Ruth.

“I had such a delightful time in your hospitable home, Miss Newville, the other evening, that I could no longer refrain from paying my respects.”

“It is certainly very kind of you, my lord.”

“I cannot tell you how delighted I was when you told me about your recreations. How charming it must be to go riding in a pung, with a lot of ladies and gentlemen. I was wondering if I could not get up a pung-ride.”

“We only do that in winter, when snow is on the ground, my lord,” Ruth replied, hardly able to repress a smile.

“Oh, dear me! how stupid I am! Of course not,” and his lordship laughed heartily at his blunder.