you ugly
giant?"

"Won't I!" said Tom. "I'd take you to the moon if you liked."

"But I don't wish to try the moon, thank you; a nice long row will
satisfy me. Come along, Bessie!"

"Not to-day," answered Elizabeth coldly.

"You're a hateful, poky thing!" cried Elsie. "Well, I shall go, the sun
is lovely."

"I'll run down to the shore and get the boat ready," said Tom,
ecstatically.

He darted away, and Elsie stood for a few moments crushing the candies
between her white teeth and looking at Elizabeth, half frightened, half
defiant.

"You are very busy," said she.

"One can't be idle," replied Elizabeth.

"Oh, can't one? It just suits me, thank you."

"Elsie," said her sister, suddenly, "I want to say something."

"If it is anything unpleasant, I won't hear. I won't hear. I want to be
happy. Let me alone!"

"It is about yourself; don't be alarmed."

"Well, say it; but you are going to scold or something else dreadful, I
know by your voice."

"Don't be such a baby," said Elizabeth, impatiently.

"There! I knew you were cross! How can I help being a baby? I like it,
and I will be one."

"Do you think you are acting honestly with Tom?" said Elizabeth.

"I'm not acting at all," replied Elsie fretfully. "I can't help his
coming here constantly. You wouldn't have me rude to your own cousin?"

"You know what I mean. He loves you, in spite of your conduct before he
went abroad----"

"I can't help it," Elsie broke in again. "If people will fall in love
with me it's their own fault; I don't ask them."

"But you can help encouraging him and leading him on to greater pain."

Elsie pouted.

"How do you know I shall?"

"You would not marry him," exclaimed Elizabeth, suddenly.
"You--you--you----"

"You don't know anything about it. Let Tom and me alone. I think you are
growing a cross old thing."

"Oh, Elsie, do be serious for one moment."

"Let me alone!" she repeated. "You are always spoiling my sunshine. I
believe you hate me!"

"Don't talk so wildly, Elsie. But you cannot blame me for being anxious
about Tom's happiness."

"And, pray, should I make him wretched if I married him?" she exclaimed
defiantly.

"You won't do that. You----"

"I'll do what I please; and don't you meddle with me, just remember
that!"

The voice was sharp and unlike Elsie's usual tone, but she quickly
resumed her childish manner, and added:

"I'll be good--don't scold. There, I'm going now--good-bye!"

She dan