f it."

"What nonsense!"

"Of course you will say so, Conway. I have observed of late that
whatever I say to you is called nonsense. I suppose it is the new
fashion that gentlemen should so express themselves, but I am not
quite sure that I like it."

"You know what I mean. I am very anxious about this picture, and I
shall be much disappointed if it cannot be done now. It was you put
it into my head first."

"I regret it very much, I can assure you; but it will not be generous
in you to urge that against me."

"But why shouldn't it succeed?"

"There are many reasons,--some personal to myself."

"I do not know what they can be. You hinted at something which I only
took as having been said in joke."

"If you mean about Miss Van Siever and yourself, I was quite in
earnest, Conway. I do not think you could do better, and I should be
glad to see it of all things. Nothing would please me more than to
bring Miss Van Siever and you together."

"And nothing would please me less."

"But why so?"

"Because,--because--. I can do nothing but tell you the truth,
carina; because my heart is not free to present itself at Miss Van
Siever's feet."

"It ought to be free, Conway, and you must make it free. It will
be well that you should be married, and well for others besides
yourself. I tell you so as your friend; you have no truer friend. Sit
where you are, if you please. You can say anything you have to say
without stalking about the room."

"I was not going to stalk,--as you call it."

"You will be safer and quieter while you are sitting. I heard a knock
at the door, and I do not doubt that it is Clara. She said she would
be here."

"And you have told her of the picture?"

"Yes; I have told her. She said that it would be impossible, and that
her mother would not allow it. Here she is." Then Miss Van Siever
was shown into the room, and Dalrymple perceived that she was a girl
the peculiarity of whose complexion bore daylight better even than
candlelight. There was something in her countenance which seemed to
declare that she could bear any light to which it might be subjected
without flinching from it. And her bonnet, which was very plain,
and her simple brown morning gown, suited her well. She was one who
required none of the circumstances of studied dress to carry off
aught in her own appearance. She could look her best when other women
look their worst, and could dare to be seen at all times. Dalrymple,
with a