160 Refuses to be a “Lion.” [CHAP. IX. 
to explain: do you remember running out of the ranks one 
day while at drill, and flying after a butterfly?’ “TI do,” 
said Edward. 
“And of being pursued and taken prisoner by a corporal 
and four men of your company, when you were brought up 
before the officer, who gave you your liberty?” 
“Yes,” said Edward, “all that is true.” “And perhaps 
you remember that there was a group of ladies with the 
officer?’ ‘Oh yes, J remember that.” “ Well, then, I was 
one of those ladies; and I first proposed to the others that 
we should intercede with the captain to let you off.” 
The lady then proceeded to explain that she herself -was 
an entomologist, and had been greatly pleased with the col- 
lection. Edward, on his part, thanked her most cordially 
for the good service she had been able to do for him on the 
links that day, now so long past. ‘ But, now,” she added, 
“fas one good turn deserves another, will you come and take 
your tea and supper with us some evening?’ Edward was 
thunderstruck at this proposal, for he was an exceedingly 
shy and bashful man, though he had been such a “ hempy” 
in his youth. “Oh no!” said he, “I can not venture on tak- 
ing 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 re- 
volting 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 an- 
other!” And away she went, leaving Edward looking rath- 
er 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 
