ur of conducting Miss Lee down stairs, leaving my cousin to
take charge of the elder lady. Nor did my triumph end here. Catherine
insisted on taking a seat at the lower end of the table, and I found
myself once more placed by her side.

"I do detest upper seats at feasts," said she; "it exposes you to
observation, while in our pleasant obscurity we can enjoy a little
friendly chat. I never could understand why so many ladies quarrel so
much about taking precedence of each other."

"It is only ambition in a small way," said I.

"Very small, indeed," she continued, laughing. "But tell me, why you
were not at Mrs. Wilton's large party last night?"

"Simply, because I was not invited."

"The Monctons were there, father and son. But, perhaps you mix very
little in the gaieties of the town."

"Since Theophilus returned, I have been very little from home; and have
become a mere cipher with my old friends. A few weeks ago, these
Wilton's courted my acquaintance, and the young men vied with each
other, in paying me attention. To-night, we met as perfect strangers.
To me, the change is unaccountable. I am, however, a perfect novice in
the ways of the world. Such examples of selfish meanness often repeated
will render me a misanthrope."

"You must not condemn all, because you have experienced the unmerited
neglect of a few," said Catherine. "Selfish, interested people are
found in every community. It is a maxim with me, never to judge the
mass by individuals. Many of the persons we meet with in the world do
not live entirely for it, and are incapable of the conduct you deplore.
I have met with warm hearts and kind friends amid the gay scenes you
condemn--young people, who like myself, are compelled by circumstances
to mingle in society, while their thoughts and affections are far
away."

"You have never experienced the frowns of the world," said I; "I can
scarcely allow you to be a competent judge."

"I am prepared to meet them," she replied, quickly--then stopped--and
sighed deeply. I looked up inquiringly.

The expression of her fine face was changed from a cheerful to a
pensive cast. It was not actual sorrow which threw a shade over her
clear brow, but she looked as if she had encountered some unexpected
misfortune, and was prepared to meet it with resignation. She passed
her small white hand slowly across her forehead, and I thought I saw
tears trembling in her eyes. My interest was deeply excited, and I
loved her