ss of his new clothes, and the
criticisms they would be sure to provoke from his honored but
exasperating little patroness, advanced to the group of white-robed
girls.

Claudia, with her glittering black ringlets, her rich crimson bloom, and
glorious dark eyes, was brilliantly beautiful, and at fifteen looked
quite a young woman, while Ishmael at sixteen seemed still a boy.

Her manner, too, was that of a young lady towards a mere lad.

She took him by the hand, and looked at him from head to foot, and
turned him around; and then, with a triumphant smile, appealed to her
companions, exclaiming:

"Look at him now! Isn't he really elegant in his new clothes? Light gray
becomes him--his complexion is so fair and clear! There isn't another
boy in the neighborhood that wouldn't look as yellow as a dandelion in
gray! Isn't he handsome, now?"

This was a very severe ordeal for Ishmael. The young ladies had all
gathered around Claudia, and were examining her favourite. Ishmael felt
his face burn until it seemed as if the very tips of his ears would take
fire.

"Isn't he handsome, now, Bee?" pursued the relentless Claudia, appealing
to her cousin.

Beatrice was blushing in intense sympathy with the blushing youth.

"I say, isn't he handsome, Bee?" persevered the implacable critic,
turning him around for her cousin's closer inspection.

"Yes! he is a very handsome dog! I wonder you do not get a collar and
chain for him, for fear he should run away, or someone should steal him
from you, Claudia!" suddenly exclaimed the distressed girl, bursting
into indignant tears.

"Consternation! what is the matter now?" inquired the heiress, dropping
her victim, from whom general attention was now diverted.

"What is the matter, Bee? what is the matter?" inquired all the young
ladies, gathering around the excited girl.

Beatrice could only sob forth the words:

"Nothing, only Claudia vexes me."

"Jealous little imp!" laughed Miss Merlin.

"I am not jealous, I am only vexed," sobbed Beatrice.

"What at? what at?" was the general question.

But Beatrice only answered by tears and sobs. This gentlest of all
gentle creatures was in a passion! It was unprecedented; it was
wonderful and alarming!

"I should really like to know what is the matter with you, you foolish
child! Why are you so angry with me? It is very unkind!" said Miss
Merlin, feeling, she knew not why, a little ashamed.

"I would not be angry with you if you w