"Hermione Le Grande."
P. S.—I must ask for perfect secrecy on your part, and that no mention whatever of my name, or letter, be made at Oaklands. I trust to your honor in the matter.
H. L.
I locked the letter up in my drawer and hastened to the dinner that certainly would not be kept waiting for me. I was hoping that the question about Mr. Bovyer's book would be asked and answered in my absence; but was disappointed; for just as Mr. Winthrop arose from the table, at the close of dinner, Mrs. Flaxman mentioned the arrival of the books, and whence they came.
"It is quite profitable, chaperoning young ladies, you will find;" he said, dryly.
"But, Medoline does not wish to keep hers. She acted quite strangely about it; and insists that I must ask you, if she shall keep it."
"Mr. Bovyer would feel aggrieved if we returned his present. I think you must keep it," he said, turning to me.
"Most young ladies I have known are proud to get keepsakes from your sex."
"I hope Medoline is not going to be a regulation young lady."
"Why, Mr. Winthrop, what has caused you to change your mind? You used to condemn me for being so very unconventional."