istening to the exchange of information in regard to the way in
which each had passed the summer, and Edward's and Zoe's description of
the celebration of their Aunt Wealthy's one hundredth birthday; all
mingled with jest, laughter, and merry badinage.

As the child looked and listened, she was, half unconsciously, studying
countenances, voices, words, and forming estimates of character.

She had been doing so all the evening; had already decided that the Lacys
and Dinsmores were nice people who made her feel happy and at home with
them; that she liked Mr. Calhoun Conly and his brother, Dr. Arthur, very
much, but detested Ralph; thought Ella silly, proud, and haughty, and
that with no excuse for either pride or arrogance. So now her principal
attention was given to the latest arrivals--Edward and Zoe.

She liked them both; thinking it lovely to see their devotion to each
other, and how unconsciously it betrayed itself in looks and tones, now
and again, as the talk went on.

At length, as the flow of conversation slacked, Zoe turned to Evelyn,
remarking with a winning smile, "What a quiet little mouse you are! I
have been wanting to make your acquaintance, and I hope you will come
often to Ion."

"Thank you; I shall enjoy doing so very much indeed," returned Evelyn,
blushing with pleasure.

Edward seconded the invitation.

"And don't forget that the doors are wide open to you at the Laurels,"
said Mr. Lacy.

"At the Oaks also," said Mr. Dinsmore. And Calhoun Conly added, "And at
Roselands; we shall expect frequent visits, and do our best for your
entertainment; though unfortunately we have no little folks to be your
companions."

Evelyn acknowledged each invitation gracefully and in suitable words.
Then, the meal having come to a conclusion, all rose from the table and
returned to the drawing-room; but presently, as it was growing late and
the travelers were supposed to be wearied with their journey, one family
after another bade good-by and departed.

"Well, Eva, what do you think of Mrs. Zoe?" asked Mr. Leland when they
had turned out of the avenue into the road leading to Fairview. "I
understood you were quite anxious to make her acquaintance."

"I think I shall like her very much, uncle," Eva answered; "she seems so
bright, pleasant, and cordial. And she loves her husband so dearly."

Mr. Leland laughed at the concluding words. "And you think that an
additional reason for liking her?"

"Yes, indeed! I