As they entered the parlor we arose and advanced to meet them.
"Mathilde! Miss Legare! Can it be possible! This is, indeed, indeed, a joyous surprise," exclaimed Frank Howard, as he recognized his ladylove, and with an eager smile extended his hand; while my brother, without ceremony, embraced me cordially.
"I thought you knew to whom you were coming," said Mathilde, with simple candor.
"No! I scarcely dared to hope for such happiness!"
"Hey-day! Hal-loe!—do you know anybody here, Frank?" exclaimed my wild and thoughtless brother.
But before Mr. Howard had time to answer, I pinched Jack's arm, turned him around, and presented him to Miss Legare.
The refined and elegant presence of Mathilde immediately brought my rude cadet to order, and he gracefully expressed the pleasure and honor he felt in being permitted to make her acquaintance.
Miss Legare welcomed my brother with more cordiality than she had bestowed upon her lover.
And I turned to receive Frank Howard's offered hand, and responded to his expressions of satisfaction at the present opportunity of renewing our acquaintance.
When these rather commonplace ceremonies were over Miss Legare invited her guests to be seated, and we resumed our chairs. A deep blush settled upon the beautiful face of Mathilde.