would have it more cheerfully if you would take yours--out plainly,
in a man's way, you know. Have you written Mr. Hartman?"

"Certainly: that same night, and asked if he wanted me next week. That
was simple enough. I'm not afraid of _him_."

"I can't see why you should be so afraid of Clarice. You've known her
all her life, and she is only ten years younger than you. If she were
but seventeen, now, and a new acquaintance, I might understand it. You
_must_ have it out with her, Robert. If I adopt her style, perhaps you
will do as I wish. Remember, we are to work together in this thing, and
you are of one mind and heart with me about it; so you must let me
direct you. Mind, now!"

I stared: it was an imitation, gentle and subdued indeed, of the
Princess as she was in her days of glory--not so long ago, alas!--before
the rains descended and the winds blew and the storm beat upon her house
of life: the tones were there, and a hint of the arch looks. Where did
Jane learn these tricks? And what has come over her? A maiden, even of
her years, is hardly warmed to life by a few compliments and caresses
from her own mother's son. Can Hartman have waked her up too? She
laughed in my face.

"If our plot succeeds, you may be thrown on my society again; and as you
are going to be so affectionate, I must fill Clarice's place as well as
I can. Meantime, you had better let me guide you; indeed you had."

"That may be; only don't drive me too hard, please. I'm not what I once
was: all these emotions are too many for me. Where do you propose to
guide me to?"

"To Clarice. Will you come now?"

"Scarcely: a nice reception we should get. This is not a case where two
are better far than one. And then it would be three presently, which
never answers--when she is one of them. I would rather go alone, and
much rather not at all. Guide me somewhere else, sweet sister: or you
can go yourself, if you like. But I don't see why she should stand on
ceremony with me."

"Not with you, but with her own heart--a more recent acquaintance, and
much more formidable."

"But that is there all the same, whether I go to her or she comes to
me."

"Yes, but--can't you see? She dislikes to take the initiative."

"So do I. According to you, she has taken it already."

"Yes, and once is enough. You are so slow, Robert: you require so much
teaching."

"I know. But don't despair: Hartman says you have improved me a heap,
between you. You see, the cas