garded
as semi-imbecile, pitied as intellectual cripples, and wisely kept in
the background of society; but, bless me! in this generation they skip
and prance to the very edge of the front, pose in indecent garments
without starch, or crinoline, or even the protection of pleats and
gathers; and insult good, sound, wholesome common sense with the
sickening affectations they are pleased to call 'aesthetics.' Don't
waste your time, and dilute your own mind by quoting the silly twaddle
of a poor girl who was turned loose too early on society, who falls on
her knees in ecstasies before a hideous broken-nose tea-pot from some
filthy hovel in Japan; and who would not dare to admire the loveliest
bit of Oiron pottery, or precious old Chelsea claret-colored china in
Kensington Museum, until she had turned it upside down, and hunted the
potter's mark with a microscope. I say Mr. Dunbar has a domineering and
tyrannical chin, and five years hence, if you do not agree with me, it
will be because 'Ephraim is joined to his idols'--clay feet and all."

"Then follow the Bible injunction to 'let him alone.' I see Lennox
through neither Clara's rosy lenses, nor your jaundiced glasses; and
these circular discussions are as fruitless as they are unpleasant. Let
us select some more agreeable topic. I gave you Leighton's letter. What
think you of his scheme?"

"That it is admirable, worthy of the brain that conceived it. What a
wonderful man he is, considering his age? Such a devout and fervent
spirit, and withal such a marvel of executive ability. Ah! happy the
woman who can command his wise guardianship, and renew her aspirations
after holiness, in his spiritual society. I honor, even more than I
love, Leighton Douglass."

"So do I, Aunt Patty. He is quite my ideal pastor, and when he marries,
I hope his wife will be worthy of him in every respect. Only a very
noble woman would suit my cousin."

A bright spot burned on Miss Dent's wrinkled cheek, and she knitted her
brows, and shook her head.

"He is so absorbed in his holy work that he has no leisure for such
trifles as love-making; but if he should ever honor a woman by the
offer of his consecrated hand, it must be one of large fortune, who
will dedicate herself and her money to the accomplishment of his
ecclesiastical schemes."

The corners of Miss Gordon's mouth twitched mutinously, but she
contrived to throw much innocent surprise and questioning into the
handsome brown eyes, w