es, and their inability to give even a transitory
content," said Charlie, with laughing defiance at Rose.

"Quite true, Charlie," said Arthur; "if Mr Green has ever had any
doubts about the almighty dollar being the `ultimate end,' he has nursed
or combated his doubts in secret. Nothing has transpired to indicate
any such wavering of faith."

"Yes; it is his only standard of worth in all things material and
moral," said Charlie. "When he enters a room, you can see by his look
that he is putting a price on all things in it--the carpet and
curtains--the books and pretty things--even the ladies--"

"Yes," continued Arthur; "if he were to come in here just now, it would
be--Mrs Snow worth so much--naming the sum; Miss Elliott so much more,
because she has on a silk gown; Mrs Elliott more still, because she is
somehow or other very spicy, indeed, to-night; he would appreciate
details that go beyond me! As for Rosie, she would be the most valuable
of all, according to his estimate, because of the extraordinary shining
things on her head."

"The possibility of their being only imitations, might suggest itself,"
interposed Charlie.

"Yes, to be sure. And imitation or not, they would indicate all the
same the young lady's love of finery, and suggest to his acute mind the
idea of danger to the purse of her future possessor. No, Rosie wouldn't
have a chance with him. You needn't frown, Rosie, you haven't. Whether
it is the shining things on your head, or the new watch and chain, or
the general weakness in the matter of bonnets that has been developing
in your character lately, I can't say, but nothing can be plainer, than
the fact that hitherto you have failed to make the smallest impression
on him."

"A circumstance which cannot fail to give strength to the general
impression that he is made of cast iron," said Charlie.

"Arthur, I am shocked and astonished at you," said Rose, as soon as she
was permitted to speak. "You have forgotten, Charlie, how kindly he
cared for your brother when he was sick, long ago. And Harry says that
his hardness and selfishness is more in appearance, than real. He has a
very kind heart."

"Oh! if you come to his heart, Miss Rose, I can't speak for that. I
have never had an opportunity of satisfying myself as to that
particular. I didn't know he had one, indeed, and should doubt it now,
if we had not Harry's authority and yours."

"You see, Rosie, when it comes to the discussion