l rival lovers figured, but of
which Major R---- was the hero. Nor was it without self-satisfaction
that Eva represented herself as the worshipped and conquering heroine
amid a crowd of rival ladies. Her soul was so occupied by all these
circumstances, her mind was so excited, that she did not observe the
embarrassment of her sisters during her relation; she saw neither their
disquiet, their constrained smiles, nor their occasionally depressed
looks.

Nor was it till when, with eyes beaming with joy, she confided to them
that Major R---- would soon come to the city, where he had relatives;
that he would spend the Christmas with them, and then ask her hand from
her parents, that the veil fell from her eyes. Louise expressed herself
strongly against Major R----, wondered at her sister, and lamented that
she could endure such a man; it was not, she said, what she had expected
from her. Eva, very much wounded, defended the Major with warmth, and
talked of intolerance and prejudice. In consequence of this, Louise's
indignation was increased; Gabriele began to weep, and Louise bore her
company; she seemed to look upon Eva as on one lost. Leonore was calmer;
she spoke not one word which could wound her sister, but sighed deeply,
and looked with quiet grief upon the beloved but misguided sister; and
then seeing what a tragical turn the conversation was taking, said, with
all that expression of calm sincerity so peculiarly her own:

"Do not let us this evening speak further on this subject; do not let us
disturb our joy. We have now Eva with us at home, and shall have time
enough to talk and to think--and then all will be cleared up. Is it not
quite for the best that we sleep on this affair? Eva must be weary after
her journey, and our 'blue-eyed one' must not weep on this first
evening."

Leonore's advice was taken, and with a mutual "forgive," Louise, Eva,
and Gabriele embraced and separated for the night. Leonore was happy to
be alone with Eva, and listened undisturbedly through the whole night to
her relations. The good Leonore!

Major Victor R. was universally known as one of those who make sport
with female hearts, and Judge Frank regarded sport of this kind with a
severity very uncommon among his sex, especially where, as was the case
in this instance, selfishness, and not thoughtlessness, led to it. The
Major, ten years before this time, had married a young and rich girl
connected with the Judge's family; and the onl