onstraint, they
reached the gate of Highmore.

"Good-by," said Compton reluctantly.

"Good-by."

"Won't you shake hands?"

She blushed, and put out her hand halfway. He took it and shook it, and
so they parted.

Compton said to his mother disconsolately, "Mamma, it is all over. I
have seen her, and spoken to her; but she has gone off dreadfully."

"Why, what is the matter?"

"She is all changed. She is so stupid and dignified got to be. She has
not a word to say to a fellow."

"Perhaps she is more reserved; that is natural. She is a young lady
now."

"Then it is a great pity she did not stay as she was. Oh, the bright
little darling! Who'd think she could ever turn into a great, stupid,
dignified thing? She is as tall as you, mamma."

"Indeed! She has made use of her time. Well, dear, don't take _too
much_ notice of her, and then you will find she will not be nearly so
shy."

"Too much notice! I shall never speak to her again--perhaps."

"I would not be violent, one way or the other. Why not treat her like
any other acquaintance?"

Next Sunday afternoon she came to church alone.

In spite of his resolution, Mr. Compton tried her a second time.
Horror! she was all monosyllables and blushes again.

Compton began to find it too up-hill. At last, when they reached
Highmore gate, he lost his patience, and said, "I see how it is. I have
lost my sweet playmate forever. Good-by, Ruperta; I won't trouble you
any more." And he held out his hand to the young lady for a final
farewell.

Ruperta whipped both her hands behind her back like a school-girl, and
then, recovering her dignity, cast one swift glance of gentle reproach,
then suddenly assuming vast stateliness, marched into Highmore like the
mother of a family. These three changes of manner she effected all in
less than two seconds.

Poor Compton went away sorely puzzled by this female kaleidoscope, but
not a little alarmed and concerned at having mortally offended so much
feminine dignity.

After that he did not venture to accost her for some time, but he cast
a few sheep's-eyes at her in church.

Now Ruperta had told her mother all; and her mother had not forbidden
her to speak to Compton, but had insisted on reserve and discretion.

She now told her mother she thought he would not speak to her any more,
she had snubbed him so.

"Dear me!" said Mrs. Bassett, "why did you do that? Can you not be
polite and nothing more?"

"No, mamma."

"Why