of the lovers you had in London?'

'You know better. That was the Honourable Miss Martindale. What did they
know of the real Theodora?'

'Poor critturs, what indeed! They would have run far enough if they
had.'

'I knew it. It is the soft, gentle, feminine mould that attracts men.'

'Another curious discovery.'

'I cannot change my nature. But when he comes, superior to them all,
understanding my true self, seeing me high-spirited and cold-mannered,
but able to look into me, and perceive there is warmth and
soundness--oh! is not that a new well-spring of happiness!'

'Yes, he is as much out of the common run of folks as you are. You'll go
as well together as Smithson's pair of piebalds. I am satisfied; I only
wanted to know whether you cared for him, for you don't "act as sich."'

'I can't talk stuff. I managed pretty well with papa, but I could not
bear it with John. He began to praise Percy, which made me ready to
cry, and that provoked me: besides, I know he does not believe in me. He
cares for Helen's brother far more than for his own sister, and does
not think me good enough for him. I saw he thought I should trifle, and
meant to give me a lecture; and I could not stand that, you know, so I
got away as fast as I could.'

'John does not lecture as you might expect, if you give him his full
swing. He is the best and kindest fellow in the world.'

'I know how Percy looks up to him. The only thing I don't like is, that
I believe one cause of Percy's attachment is my being his sister.'

'I tell you, Theodora, if you are so outrageously jealous, you will
never get through the world in peace.'

'I shall have no reason for jealousy.'

'And for fear he should, had you not better give a hint to Wingfield?
You are turning the poor fellow's head with your confabulations over
the dirty children, and you'll have him languishing in an unrequited
attachment.'

'He understands me too well,' said Theodora.

'You reckon a great deal on understanding! And you put yourselves to the
test. Why don't you marry out of hand, and trust to the fates?'

'We have talked it over,' said Theodora. 'As to our income being equal
to yours, that is nonsense. We have no expensive habits; but Percy says
L450 a year is too little, so we shall wait for the appointment, or till
he has made it up to L700. But I own I did not expect such ready consent
from papa.'

'Ha! You would have liked a little opposition? You would sing a
different