e will 'come out' with a romantic incident that would never have
seen the light but for a woman's curiosity."

"Good heavens!" thought I, "can this be a true interpretation of my
character? Am I the weak and impressionable creature this would bespeak
me?" I must have blushed deeply at my own reflection, for Crofton
quickly added,--

"Don't get angry with me, Potts, any more than you would with a friend
who 'd say, 'Take care how you pass over that bridge, I know it is
rotten and must give way.'"

"Let me answer you," said I, courageously, for I was acutely hurt to be
thus arraigned before another. "It is more than likely that you, with
your active habits and stirring notions of life, would lean very heavily
on him who, neither wanting riches nor honors, would adopt some simple
sort of dreamy existence, and think that the green alleys of the beech
wood, or the little path beside the river, pleasanter sauntering than
the gilded antechamber of a palace; and just as likely is it that you
would take him roundly to task about wasted opportunities, misapplied
talents, and stigmatize as inglorious indolence what might as possibly
be called a contented humility. Now, I would ask you, why should one
man be the measure of another? The load you could carry with ease might
serve to crush me, and yet there may be some light burdens that would
suit _my_ strength, and in bearing which I might taste a sense of duty
grateful as your own."

"I have no patience with you," began Crofton, warmly; but his sister
stopped him with an imploring look, and then, turning to me, said,--

"Edward fancies that every one can be as energetic and active as
himself, and occasionally forgets what you have just so well remarked as
to the relative capacities of different people."

"I want him to do something, to be something besides a dreamer!" burst
he in, almost angrily.

"Well, then," said I, "you shall see me begin this moment, tor I will
get down here and walk briskly back to the town." I called to the
postilions to pull up at the same time, and in spite of remonstrances,
entreaties,--almost beseeching from Mary Crofton,--I persisted in my
resolve, and bade them farewell.

Crofton was so much hurt that he could scarcely speak, and when he gave
me his hand it was in the coldest of manners.

"But you 'll keep our rendezvous, won't you!" said Mary; "we shall meet
at Rome."

"I really wonder, Mary, how you can force our acquaintanceship where it