"It will learn you to run off again," she continued.
"Well, well--perhaps I am exacting; but understand one thing, Helle,
about me," said Walter Jerrold, gravely, "I can bear with, and forgive
_errors_--but deception, _never_."
"Walter!" said Helen, reproachfully, while tears suffused her fine eyes.
"Forgive me, Helle, if my words grate on your feelings. It is best for
married folk to understand each other's peculiarities as early as
possible. Shall I ring for Elise, for you are tangling and tearing
your hair to pieces?"
"If you please. I will soon join you, if you will tell me where to
find you," she replied, with assumed composure.
"At the breakfast table, I trust," he said, pleasantly; "I am thirsting
for a cup of mocha, after my long journey."
"I suspect you will find it ready. I ordered them to have it ready
early;--but see, Walter! have you any special engagement this forenoon?"
"Nothing _very_ particular after ten, Helen. Why?"
"Why, you know that _Matinees_ are all the rage now. I hold my first
one to-day.--All the world have promised to come!"
"You don't want me, then?" he said, laughing.
"Of course I do. It will look proper for you to be present at the
_first_. People can't be ill-natured then. I've heard a great many
queer stories about the _Matinees_."
"It is well to be prudent in these fashionable follies, Helle--touch
some of them with gloves on. I do not like this new style of thing,
but if it's the fashion, we must fall in.
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