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THE PIAZZA.
Two weeks passed away, during which time Miss Oriel had shown her skill in female tactics by managing to secure the attentions of Mr. Beauchamp, while she had transferred Cecil to Ellen Grey until she should be able to decide upon his future fate. One evening, Cecil, who had long known and admired Mrs. Dale, invited her to walk with him on the piazza, that they might witness the effect of moonlight upon the distant sea.
“I am indebted to Miss Grey’s headache for this invitation,” said Mrs. Dale, laughing, as she took his arm; “had she been in the saloon my eyes would never have been thus favored with a moonlight scene.”
Forrester entered a disclaimer against the lady’s assertion, and a playful conversation ensued, when Mrs. Dale, suddenly changing the topic, said:
“Pray tell me, Mr. Forrester, if Mr. Beauchamp is so immensely rich?”
“I really cannot take it upon me to determine that delicate question, Madam,” was the reply, “but, as a firm believer in the doctrine of compensations, I am bound to suppose he must be very wealthy.”
“Not understanding your premises I cannot clearly comprehend your deductions,” said Mrs. Dale playfully.
“Why, Providence always bestows something to compensate for great deficiencies, and as Mr. Beauchamp cannot boast either mental or physical gifts, I take it for granted that he must have money.”
“Really, Mr. Forrester, I did not think you were so ill-natured. I am sure Mr. Beauchamp has the prettiest hands and feet in the world, and his ardent admiration of the ladies proves him to possess a good heart.”