He was also very intimate with Mr.Dayton's family, always evincing a great partiality for Lucy and Lizzie, and had more than once hinted at the probable disposal of his wealth.

Of course Lucy, in his presence, was all amiability, and though he was usually very far-sighted, he but partially understood her real character.
Something, however, in her remarks concerning Berintha displeased him.
Lucy saw it, but before she had time for any thought on the subject the door-bell rang, and a dozen or more of guests entered.
The parlors now began to fill rapidly.

Ere long St.Leon came, and after paying his compliments to Lucy, he took his station between her and the sofa, on which Lizzie sat.

So delighted was Lucy to have him thus near that she forgot Berintha, until that lady herself appeared in the room, bowing to those she knew, and seating herself on the sofa, very near St.Leon.The angry blood rushed in torrents to Lucy's face, and St.Leon, who saw something was wrong, endeavored to divert her mind by asking her various questions.
At last he said, "I do not see Miss Harcourt.

Where is she ?" "She is not expected," answered Lucy carelessly.
"Ah!" said St.Leon; and Berintha, touching his arm, rejoined: "Of course you could not think Ada Harcourt would be invited here!" "Indeed! Why not ?" asked St.Leon, and Berintha continued: "To be sure, Ada is handsome, and Ada is accomplished, but then Ada is poor, and consequently can't come!" "But I see no reason why poverty should debar her from good society," said St.Leon; and Berintha, with an exultant glance at Lucy, who, if possible, would have paralyzed her tongue, replied: "Why, if Ada were present, she might rival somebody in somebody's good opinion.