t
strange race, which some writers have held to be the ten lost tribes of
Israel. Agatha asked what were the characteristics of an Indian face,
often stated to be so fine?

"Look in the mirror, Miss Bowen," said Nathanael, joining in the
conversation.

"What do you mean?"

I mean, that were you not an Englishwoman, I should have thought you
descended from a Pawnee Indian--all except the hair. The features are
exact--long, almond-shaped eyes, aquiline nose, mouth and chin of the
rare classic mould, which these children of nature keep, long after it
has almost vanished out of civilised Europe. Then your complexion, of
such a dark ruddy brown--your"----

"Stop--stop!" cried the Major, heartily laughing. "Miss Bowen will think
you have learnt every one of her physical peculiarities off by
heart already. I had not the least idea you were gifted with so much
observation."

"Nay, do let him go on; it amuses me," cried the young girl, laughing,
though she could not help blushing a' little also.

But Nathanael had "shrunk into his shell," as his brother humorously
whispered to Agatha, and was not to be drawn out for the remainder of
the evening.

The Harpers left early, thus affording great opportunity for their
characters being discussed afterwards. Every lady in the room had long
since declared herself "in love" with the elder brother; the fact was
now repeated for the thousandth time, together with one or two remarks
about the younger Harper, who they agreed was rather nice-looking, but
so eccentric!

Miss Bowen scarcely thought about Nathanael at all; except that, after
she was in bed, a comical recollection floated through other more
serious ones, and she laughed outright at the notion of being considered
like a Pawnee Indian!

CHAPTER II.

Of all the misfortunes incidental to youth (falling in love included),
there are few greater than that of having nothing to do. From this
trial, Agatha Bowen, being unhappily a young lady of independent
property, suffered martyrdom every day. She had no natural ties, duties,
or interests, and was not sufficiently selfish to create the like in and
about her own personality. She did not think herself handsome enough to
be vain, so had not that sweet refuge of feminine idleness--dress. Nor,
it must be dolefully confessed, was she of so loving a nature as to love
anybody or everybody, as some women can.

Kind to all, and liking many, she was apparently one of those char