onight. I suppose that
dress is 'a sweet thing just out,' but upon my word she reminds me of
nothing but a Harlequin ice," and Mac turned his back on her with a
shudder, for he was sensitive to discords of all kinds.

"She certainly does, and that mixture of chocolate, pea green, and pink
is simply detestable, though many people would consider it decidedly
'chic,' to use her favorite word. I suppose you will dress your wife
like a Spartan matron of the time of Lycurgus," added Rose, much tickled
by his new conceit.

"I'll wait till I get her before I decide. But one thing I'm sure of she
shall not dress like a Greek dancer of the time of Pericles," answered
Mac, regarding with great disfavor a young lady who, having a statuesque
figure, affected drapery of the scanty and clinging description.

"Then it is of no use to suggest that classic creature, so as you reject
my first attempts, I won't go on but look about me quietly, and you had
better do the same. Seriously, Mac, more gaiety and less study would do
you good, for you will grow old before your time if you shut yourself up
and pore over books so much."

"I don't believe there is a younger or a jollier-feeling fellow in the
room than I am, though I may not conduct myself like a dancing dervish.
But I own you may be right about the books, for there are many sorts of
intemperance, and a library is as irresistible to me as a barroom to a
toper. I shall have to sign a pledge and cork up the only bottle that
tempts me my ink-stand."

"I'll tell you how to make it easier to abstain. Stop studying and write
a novel into which you can put all your wise things, and so clear your
brains for a new start by and by. Do I should so like to read it," cried
Rose, delighted with the project, for she was sure Mac could do anything
he liked in that line.

"First live, then write. How can I go to romancing till I know what
romance means?" he asked soberly, feeling that so far he had had very
little in his life.

"Then you must find out, and nothing will help you more than to love
someone very much. Do as I've advised and be a modern Diogenes going
about with spectacles instead of a lantern in search, not of an honest
man, but a perfect woman. I do hope you will be successful." And Rose
made her curtsey as the dance ended.

"I don't expect perfection, but I should like one as good as they ever
make them nowadays. If you are looking for the honest man, I wish you
success in ret