have them, and it
needs tact to steer clear of them. Kitty's got dozens, but I treat them
with respect, have my own way when I can, give in without growling when
I can't, and we get on like a couple of--"

"Spoons," put in Charlie, who felt that he had not steered clear and so
suffered shipwreck in sight of land.

Steve meant to have said "doves," but his cousin's levity caused him to
add with calm dignity, "reasonable beings," and then revenged himself by
making a good shot which won him the game.

"You always were a lucky little dog, Steve. I don't begrudge you a
particle of your happiness, but it does seem as if things weren't quite
fair sometimes," said Archie, suppressing an envious sigh, for, though
he seldom complained, it was impossible to contrast his own and his
cousin's prospects with perfect equanimity.

"His worth shines forth the brightest who in hope
Always confides: the Abject soul despairs,"

observed Mac, quoting Euripides in a conversational tone as he lay upon
a divan reposing after a hard day's work.

"Thank you," said Archie, brightening a little, for a hopeful word from
any source was very comfortable.

"That's your favorite Rip, isn't it? He was a wise old boy, but you
could find advice as good as that nearer home," put in Steve, who just
then felt equal to slapping Plato on the shoulder, so elated was he at
being engaged "first of all the lot," as he gracefully expressed it.

"Don't halloo till you are out of the wood, Dandy Mrs. Kit has jilted
two men, and may a third, so you'd better not brag of your wisdom too
soon, for she may make a fool of you yet," said Charlie, cynically, his
views of life being very gloomy about this time.

"No, she won't, Steve, if you do your part honestly. There's the making
of a good little woman in Kitty, and she has proved it by taking you
instead of those other fellows. You are not a Solomon, but you're not
spoilt yet, and she had the sense to see it," said Mac encouragingly
from his corner, for he and his brother were better friends than even
since the little scene at the Van Tassels'.

"Hear! Hear!" cried Steve, looking more than ever like a cheerful young
cockerel trying to crow as he stood upon the hearth rug with his hands
under his coat tails, rising and falling alternately upon the toes and
heels of his neat little boots.

"Come, you've given them each a pat on the head haven't you got one for
me? I need it enough, for if ever there