After All, Or Thrice Won.

and that frisking- cat worked Avonders ; Avhat had before been a cold , cheerless company ivas now a genial merry party , and all through tbe influence of a pretty little " puss . " 0 society , does not this SIIOAV ye how hollow ye are , and that human nature must peep out of your crazy bandages at the first opportunity ! Au excellent repast put them all into a still better humourancl one who

, before had been considered distant and haughty was found to be a very friendly , confiding , and agreeable person . After tea , songs were requested and given with the usual reluctance . There is another sham of society ; we don't mean to let them alone , but will deduce our morals as Ave go along . A young lady , for instance , if asked to sing or play immediatel y abounds with all possible excuses . A bad cold , no music , or inability are some of these modest " crams , "

known ancl acknowledged to be such ; and yet all these excuses must be made and overcome before tbe individual requested will " give in . " Why all this humbug ? to speak plainly . But on ; the lady has sung and- several others , gentlemen too ; some , certainly , who bad bettor have made some unconquerable excuse . What people will listen to , uncomplaining ; a harsh voice without modulation ; a shrieking spasmodic voice ; and a voice that seldom exceeds an audible whisper . This cannot be said of Miss Phanewho , though possessing

, only a small voice , used it with perfect taste , and charmed her hearers . Dancing Ai as now about to commence . The once reserved gathering- would now be brought into close contact and companionship . There were many fair creatures there Avith enchanting charms of dress and feature , but none of ' them in Arthur Humberton ' s opinion equalled the quiet and unassuming grace of Olivia Phane . He danced with several , but never was so engrossed with their

eonvei-sation and persons as to forget the impression made upon him by Miss Phane . A black-eyed beauty with glossy tresses tried bard to fascinate him , but all in vain—his eyes restlessly wandered in the direction of the girl he now felt he loved . She was conspicuous from all the rest , not by any brilliant adornment , but b y her peculiar beauty , her charming manner , ancl quiet yet queenlike superiority . At least so thought Arthur Humberton . He AVOUIC ! ive

g anything almost to be her partner in a short dance . Meanwhile Merrisslope had -forgotten tbe beautiful amber hair of Miss Phane , which hacl so delighted him before , ancl he was now being led captive by a dark beauty , on Avhose bosom flashed a diamond necklace , constantly sending- little pyrotechnic flashes in every direction . He was being taught with a vengeance the fallacy of his arguments against woman . He was

per fectly infatuated , ancl in that company he Avould have fallen down at the feet of "the angel " ( as he afterwards called her ) whose charms were so overpoAvermg , or have done her most outrageous bidding' . Recltaper unfortunately did not dance , but he enjoyed himself in Avatcbing others do so .

_ At last Humberton has bad the temerity to ask tbe favour of a dance with Miss Phane , and his turn has come at last . Ob , what rapture ! to hold in his arms the beautiful girl be already loves . How his head swims as he tries to speak to her , and he can hardl y find his tongue . They seem to be going round Avithout exertion , they hardly touch the floor , quicker and quicker they lwolve , aud he almost , imagines he has entered the realms of bliss , such is tbe intoxicating nature of his eestacyAfter the delihtful danceonltoo shortthey ivalk in

. g , y , the conservatory , and already they are in conversation . The sparkling fountain in the centre of the building cools tbe air with its spray , while its bubbling cadence mingles with the distant music . Tbe air is richly laden Avith . the perfume of a thousand flowers . It seems the happiest moment of his life , as he leads the fair creature b y ¦ his side , round the fragrant walk , while arm rests on hissending thrill of leasure through himThey sit down

per , a p . in a secluded corner near a lovely rose tree , the delicate tints of whose flowers attempted in vain to rival the blushes of Miss Phane . There let us leave them , while we look at Arthur Humberton ' s past life . M 2