And passing on, the Governor smiled upon Miss Belle-bouche, and saluted Jacques.
On former occasions we have attempted to describe the costume of this latter gentleman; on the present occasion we shall not. It is enough to say that the large tulip bed at Shadynook seemed to have left that domain and entered the ball-room of the Raleigh, with the lady who attended to them.
This was Belle-bouche, as we have said; and the tender languishing face of the little beauty was full of joy at the bright scene.
As for poor Jacques, he was oceans deep in love, and scarcely looked at any other lady in the room. This caused much amusement among his friends who were looking at him; but what does a lover care for laughter?
"Ah!" he says, "a truly Arcadian scene! Methinks the Muses and the Graces have become civilized, and assembled here to dance the minuet. You will have a delightful evening."
"Oh, I'm sure I shall!" says Belle-bouche, smiling.
"And I shall, because I am with you."
With which words, Jacques smiles and sighs; and his watchful friends follow his eyes, and laugh more loudly than ever.
They say to him afterwards: "Well, old fellow, the way you were sweet upon your lady-love on that occasion, was a sin! You almost ate her up with your eyes, and at one time you looked as if you were going to dissolve into a sigh, or melt into a smile. At any rate, you are gone—go on!"
Belle-bouche receives the tender compliments of Jacques with a flitting blush, and says, in order to divert him from the subject of herself: