Cashel Byron's Profession

"He shoved the door into my face, and I acted on the impulse of the

moment, madam. I hope you will forgive the liberty I took in locking

the door of the boudoir. He is older and heavier than I am, madam;

and he has the advantage of being a professional. Else I should have

stood my ground."

"I am quite satisfied," said Lydia, a little coldly, as she left the

room.

"How long you have been!" cried Alice, almost in hysterics, as Lydia

entered. "Is he gone? What were those dreadful noises? IS anything

the matter?"

"Dancing and late hours are the matter," said Lydia, coolly. "The

season is proving too much for you, Alice."

"It is not the season; it is the man," said Alice, with a sob.

"Indeed? I have been in conversation with the man for more than half

an hour; and Bashville has been in actual combat with him; yet we

are not in hysterics. You have been sitting here at your ease, have

yon not?"

"I am not in hysterics," said Alice, indignantly.

"So much the better," said Lydia, gravely, placing her hand on the

forehead of Alice, who subsided with a sniff.