"I do not know, ma'am," he answered coolly--"I expect my mother."
Mrs. Evelyn walked back to her sofa.
But in the space of two minutes she came over to the centre-table again, with an open magazine in her hand.
"Mr. Carleton," said the lady, "you must read this for me and tell me what you think of it, will you sir? I have been shewing it to Mr. Stackpole and he can't see any beauty in it, and I tell him it is his fault and there is some serious want in his composition. Now I want to know what you will say to it."
"An arbiter, Mrs. Evelyn, should be chosen by both parties."
"Read it and tell me what you think!" repeated the lady, walking away to leave him opportunity. Mr. Carleton looked it over.
"That is something pretty," he said putting it before Fleda. Mrs. Evelyn was still at a distance.
"What do you think of that print for trying the eyes?" said Fleda laughing as she took it. But he noticed that her colour rose a little.
"How do you like it?"
"I like it,--pretty well," said Fleda rather hesitatingly.