The guests of the house were not very long in recognizing in
him an admirer of Miss Burton, but they imagined that his devotion
was caused more by a wish to while away his idle hours than from
any other motive; and it was also quite evident that the young lady
herself took the same view. She gave a light and humorous aspect
to everything she said, and permitted him scarcely an opportunity
for a solitary "tete-a-tete." In vain he placed his bays and buggy
at her disposal.
"I am social and gregarious in my tastes," she would reply, "and
need the exhilaration of a party to enjoy myself."
Thus Stanton was led to a course of action decidedly in contrast
with his past tendencies. He would attach his bays to a roomy
carriage, giving her a "carte-blanche" in making up the party if
she would be one of the number. He would perspire like a hero in
any boating excursion or picnic that she would originate; and thus
the fastidious and elegant fellow often found himself in unwonted
company, for, with an instinct peculiarly her own, she soon found
out the comparatively poor and neglected in the hotel, and appeared
to derive her chief pleasure in enlivening their dull days.
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