No sooner was
this little group thus arranged, the three girls in a crescent, than I
disappeared.
"Grace, I have not yet spoken to you of a necklace of pearls possessed
by your humble servant," I cried, as my foot again touched the
piazza.--"I would not say a word about it--"
"Yet, Lucy and I heard all about it--" answered Grace with provoking
calmness, "but would not ask to see it, lest you should accuse us of
girlish curiosity. We waited your high pleasure, in the matter."
"You and Lucy heard I had such a necklace!"
"Most unquestionably; I, Grace Wallingford, and she, Lucy Hardinge. I
hope it is no infringement on the rights of Mr. Miles Clawbonny"--so
the girls often called me, when they affected to think I was on my
high-ropes--"I hope it is no infringement on the rights of Mr. Miles
Clawbonny to say as much."
"And pray how _could_ you and Lucy know anything about it?"
"That is altogether another question; perhaps we may accord an answer,
after we have seen the necklace."
"Miss Merton told us, Miles," said Lucy, looking at me with
gentleness, for she saw I really wished an answer; and what could Lucy
Hardinge ever refuse me, that was right in itself when she saw my
feelings were really interested?
"Miss Merton? Then I have been betrayed, and the surprise I
anticipated is lost.
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