en as few know them, can well make allowances for
natures spoiled as ours were--pampered and nattered by those about us,
living in a little world of our own here. And yet, do not think me silly
when I own that I would it were all back again. The childhood and the
lessons, ay, the dreary Telemachus, that gave me many a headache, and
the tiresome hours at the piano, and the rest of it." She glanced a
covert glance at Dunn, and saw that his features were a shade darker and
gloomier than before. "Mind," said she, quickly, "I don't ask you
to join in this wish. You have lived to achieve great successes--to be
courted, and sought after, and caressed. I don't expect you to care
to live over again hours which perhaps you look back to with a sort of
horror."

"I dare not well tell you how I look back to them," said he, in a
half-irresolute manner.

Had there been any to mark it, he would have seen that her cheek flushed
and her dark eyes grew darker as he spoke these words. She was far too
skilful a tactician to disturb, even by a syllable, the thoughts she
knew his words indicated; and again they sauntered along in silence,
till they found themselves standing on the shore of the sea.

"How is it that the sea, like the sky, seems ever to inspire the wish
that says, 'What lies beyond that?'" said Dunn, dreamily.

"It comes of that longing, perhaps, for some imaginary existence out of
the life of daily care and struggle--"

"I believe so," said he, interrupting. "One is so apt to forget that
another horizon is sure to rise to view,--another bourne to be passed!"
Then suddenly, as if with a rapid change of thought, he said, "What a
charming spot this is to pass one's days in,--so calm, so peaceful, so
undisturbed!"

"I love it!" said she, in a low, murmuring voice, as though speaking to
herself.

"And I could love it too," said he, ardently, "if fortune would but
leave me to a life of repose and quiet."

"It is so strange to hear men like yourself--men who in a measure make
their own fate,--always accuse Destiny. Who is there, let me ask," said
she, with a boldness the stronger that she saw an influence followed her
words,--"who is there who could with more of graceful pride retire from
the busy cares of life than he who has worked so long, so successfully,
for his fellow-men? Who is there who, having achieved fortune, friends,
station--Why do you shake your head?" cried she, suddenly.

"You estimate my position too flat