ter, but real
effervescence from the unsatisfied craving for something to do."

"And has she anything to do now?" said Bessie.

"That is exactly what I want to know. It would be a great pity if all
this real self-devotion were thrown away."

"It cannot be thrown away," said Alick.

"Not on herself," said Ermine, "but one would not see it misdirected,
both for the waste of good energy and the bitter disappointment."

"Well," said Bessie, "I can't bear people to be so dreadfully in
earnest!"

"You are accountable for the introduction, are not you?" said Ermine.

"I'm quite willing! I think a good downfall plump would be the most
wholesome thing that could happen to her; and besides, I never told her
to take the man for her almoner and counsellor! I may have pointed to
the gulf, but I never bade Curtia leap into it."

"I wish there were any one to make inquiries about this person," said
Ermine; "but when Colonel Keith came it was too late. I hoped she might
consult him, but she has been so much absorbed that she really has never
come in his way."

"She would never consult any one," said Bessie.

"I am not sure of that," replied Ermine. "I think that her real
simplicity is what makes her appear so opinionated. I verily believe
that there is a great capability of humility at the bottom."

"Of the gulf," laughed Bessie; but her brother said, "Quite true. She
has always been told she is the clever woman of the family, and what can
she do but accept the position?"

"Exactly," said Ermine; "every one has given way to her, and, of course,
she walks over their bodies, but there is something so noble about her
that I cannot but believe that she will one day shake herself clear of
her little absurdities."

"That is contrary to the usual destiny of strong-minded women," said
Bessie.

"She is not a strong-minded woman, she only has been made to believe
herself one," said Ermine, warmly.

With this last encounter, Bessie and her brother took leave, and the
last at once exclaimed, in sentimental tones, "Generous rivals! I never
saw so good a comedy in all my days! To disclose the fatal truth, and
then bring the rival fair ones face to face!"

"If that were your belief, Bessie, the demon of teasing has fuller
possession of you than I knew."

"Ah! I forgot," exclaimed Bessie, "it is tender ground with you
likewise. Alas! Alick, sisterly affection cannot blind me to the fact of
that unrequited admiration for your hono