have to some other of
my sex; for naught so charms us contradictory human bipeds as
indifference to our gracious attentions, and we always pay our most
assiduous court where it receives the smallest consideration."

"Well, if you choose to remain and entertain me with your company--"
commenced the fair girl.

"I can do so, but you prefer to be alone," interrupted the young man;
"is not that what you would say?"

"As you have been pleased to give expression to my unexpressed thoughts,
I'll abide by your decision," she remarked quietly.

The gentleman bade her good-evening, and walked away, looking somewhat
chagrined by his easy dismissal. On the fore-deck he found the clerk of
the boat.

"I've just come from Miss Orville," he said, falling into step with the
latter. "You are a lucky fellow, Mr. Clerk, to have such a lovely being
entrusted to your care."

"She is a sweet young lady, indeed," said the clerk. "I was never
trusted with a charge in which I felt more interest."

"No wonder. Half the gentlemen on the boat are in love with her, and she
is so mercilessly indifferent to all their blandishments! Yet she is of
an age to love flattery and adulation."

"She appears like one whose heart is preoeccupied," remarked the clerk.

"But she is too young for that to be the case, I would suppose."

"Love is restricted to no particular age."

"She is from the north, too, and the maidens of those cold climes are
less susceptible to the influence of the tender passion than the
daughters of our sunny shores," pursued Gilbert.

"Less susceptible it may be," answered the clerk, "but once enkindled,
the flame seldom flickers or grows dim. Northern hearts are slow to wake
and hard to change. I was raised in Yankee land, Gilbert, and should
know something of Yankee girls."

"True, true; but where do you say this young lady is going?"

"To New Orleans."

"And do you know where she will stop in the city?"

"At the residence of her uncle, Esq. Camford."

"Possible? I know that family well."

"Indeed," remarked the clerk; "then you may have an opportunity to
pursue your acquaintance with Miss Orville, in whom you seem to feel
more than ordinary interest."

"Why, yes," said Gilbert, "I believe I'm in love with her at present;
but then I don't make so serious a matter of a heart affair as many do."

Gilbert was a wealthy southern planter, of rather easy, dissolute
habits, yet possessed of some redeeming points.

"W