170 REFUSES TO BE A "LION" CHAP. ix. 



derstruck at this proposal, for he was an exceed- 

 ingly shy and bashful man, though he had been such 

 a " hempy " in his youth. " Oh no !" said he, " I can- 

 not venture on taking such a liberty." " I'll have no 

 denial," said the lady ; " there will be only a few 

 friends who wish to make your acquaintance." 



The idea of being exhibited as a Lion was perfectly 

 revolting to Edward ; so he again protested that he 

 could not accept the invitation, however kindly it 

 was meant. " No, no ; you must come. There's my 

 card and address, and when I have fixed the day, I'll 

 send you an invitation. Good-day. Now remember ! 

 one good turn deserves another!" And away she 

 went, leaving Edward looking rather sheepish, and 

 fumbling in his hand a piece of elegantly-got-up and 

 highly aromatic pasteboard. 



When the servant came with the invitation two 

 days later, Edward returned a message that it was 

 impossible for him to accept the invitation, because 

 he could not leave his collection. The servant again 

 returned, and invited him to attend the party after 

 the exhibition had been closed for the night He 

 again politely refused. 



The lady never returned to the exhibition ; and 

 Edward felt that he had grievously offended her by 

 refusing her invitation. Yet, had she known of his 

 position at the time, her heart would have melted 

 with pity at his sufferings. But this was of too 

 touching and too delicate a nature to be explained to 



