ot to know which indications promised him the best wife; or if not
him, the man who could get her. And he resolved, if a chance offered,
he would speak to Dolly that very day. For here was Christina, if his
other hope failed. He _was_ cool; nevertheless, he was in earnest.

They had climbed up Monte San Costanzo and admired the view. They had
rested, and enjoyed a capital lunch among the myrtles on the point. It
was when they were on their way home in the afternoon, and not till
then, that the opportunity presented itself which he had wished for. On
the way home, the order of march was broken up. Christina sometimes
dropped St. Leger to ride with her father; sometimes called Dolly to be
her companion; and at last, declaring that she did not want Mr. St.
Leger to have a sense of sameness about the day, she set off with her
father ahead, begging Dolly to amuse the other gentleman.

Which Dolly made not the least effort to do. The scenery was growing
more lovely with every minute's lengthening shadows; and she rode
along, giving all her attention to it, not making to Mr. St. Leger even
the remarks she might have made to Mr. Thayer. The change of companions
to her was not welcome. St. Leger found the burden of conversation must
lie upon him.

"We have not seen much of each other for a long time," he began.

"Only two or three times a day," said Dolly.

"And you think that is enough, perhaps!" said Lawrence hastily.

"Don't you think more would have a tendency to produce what Christina
calls a 'sense of sameness'?" said Dolly, turning towards him a face
all dimpled with fun.

"That is according to circumstances. The idea is not flattering. But,
Miss Dolly," said Lawrence, pulling himself up, "in all this
while--these months--that we have been travelling together, we have had
time to learn to know each other pretty well. _You_ must have been able
to make up your mind about me."

"Which part of your character?"

"Miss Dolly," said Lawrence with some heat, "you know what I mean."

"Do I? But I did not know that I had to make up my mind about anything
concerning you; I thought that was done long ago."

"And you do not like me any better now than you did then?"

"Perhaps I do," said Dolly slowly. "I always liked you, Mr. St. Leger,
and I had cause. You have been a very kind friend to us."

"For your sake, Dolly."

"I am sorry for that," she said.

"And I have waited all this time in the hope that you would get
a