s I get home."

The conversation, however, after this did take a turn, and ran upon
more everyday topics; less interesting to Dolly however. But the
speakers were interesting always; and she watched them, the play of
sense and nonsense, of feeling and fun, not caring much that the matter
of the talk did not concern her; until Mrs. Thayer and her escort were
heard returning.

And then, indeed, the evening changed its character; however the
fascination remained for Dolly. The talk was no longer on personal
subjects; it went gaily and jovially over all sorts of light matters;
an excellent supper was served; and in the novelty and the brightness
and the liveliness of all about her, Dolly was in a kind of
bewitchment. It was a lull, a pause in the midst of her cares, a still
nook to which an eddy had brought her, out of the current; Dolly took
the full benefit. She would not think of trouble. Sometimes a swift
feeling of contrast swept in upon her, the contrast of her friend's
safe and sheltered life. No care for her; no anxiety about ways and
means; no need to work for money; and no need to fear for anybody dear
to her. Christina's father was _her_ guardian, not she his; he might be
a very humdrum man, and no doubt was, but his daughter had no cause to
be ashamed for him; had not the burden of his life and character on her
own shoulders to take care of. A swift, keen feeling of this contrast
would come over Dolly; but she put it away as instantly, and would not
see or hear anything but what was pleasant.

CHAPTER XXVI.

NAPLES.

Dolly shared her friend's room. Talk ran on, all the while they were
undressing, upon all manner of trifles. When they were laid down,
however, and Dolly was just rejoicing to be quiet and think, Christina
began to speak in a different tone.

"Dolly, how do you like him?"

I think, if Dolly had liked him less, she would have been fuller in his
praise. I do not know by what sort of hidden instinct and unconscious
diplomacy she answered very coolly and with no enthusiasm.

"I like him very well. I think he is true."

"True! Of course he is true. If he wouldn't be so stupid. To expect one
to be unlike all the world."

Dolly was silent.

"He's crochetty, that's what he is," Christina went on. "I hate a man
to be crochetty. I shall work him out of it, if ever we come to live
together."

"I don't believe you will, Christina."

"Why not?"--quickly.

"I don't _think_ you will," Dolly