o die at a certain
hour, from having had a dream to that effect, or some other supernatural
indication of the will of Heaven. And sometimes they actually expired,
from sheer fright. But when the clock was put back an hour or two, the
time passed without any fatal result ensuing."

"Those chaps were wilder than we are, Charlie!" cried George, with an
air of triumph.

"Yes," answered his cousin. "But I very much fear that does not prove
our innocence, but only their depravity. It reminds me of that line in
Milton--

'And in the lowest deep, a lower deep.'"

CHAPTER VIII.

CONFIDANTE.--LEAD-MERCHANT.--TRADES.--THE ROSE OF HESPERUS; A FAIRY
TALE.

As the time drew nigh when our young party would be called upon to
separate, and to return to the every-day duties of the boarding or day
school, and the home, the centralizing influences of affection appeared
to be felt in an increasing degree. Aunt Lucy remarked that they greatly
resembled a flock of birds or of sheep: where one came, the rest were
sure very soon to follow. Cousin Mary asked George, with a look of great
concern, if he felt very unwell indeed. "I? oh no, I never was better in
my life. What could have put the notion into your head that I was ill?"
"My dear Coz, you are so uncommonly good. You have not teased Anna or
Gertrude at all to-day, and I begin to feel seriously alarmed for your
health. I have so often noticed a sudden attack of meekness to precede a
sudden attack of fever, that I really think it would be wiser to send
for the doctor in time." "Don't concern yourself," replied he. "If that
be all, I can soon prove that my pulse is in good order." So saying, he
gave Mary's work-basket a sudden twitch, which sent her spools of
cotton, winders, thimble, and emery-bag flying in every direction; when,
of course, with the malice peculiar to things of such small natures,
they carefully hid themselves in the darkest corners, and ran behind the
legs of tables and sofas for protection, "Preserve me from boys!" said
Mary with a laugh, as George ran out of the room. "If it were not
unladylike, I really should box those ears of yours!"

"They are quite large enough to bear it--no danger of their being
crushed," he replied, giving a pinch to the protruding members.

In the evening, as Gertrude claimed the honor of having been the most
stupid person in playing "Elements" the night before, it was agreed that
it appertained to her to introduce to th