es, Aunt Elfrida is the most excellent of the earth, I do believe,"
assented Le; but without the interest in the subject which the words might
have implied.

"The most perfect woman in person, soul and spirit that ever was
created!"

"Who is 'the most perfect woman in person, soul and spirit that ever was
created'?" inquired a voice behind them.

Mr. Force turned and saw Col. Anglesea approaching them.

Both the gentlemen, who were seated, immediately arose.

Mr. Force presented his young relative to his guest.

The midshipman and the colonel bowed coldly and stiffly, while they eyed
each other with ill-repressed antagonism.

"Who is 'the most perfect woman in person, soul and spirit that ever was
created'?" again queried Col. Anglesea, as the party seated themselves
around the fire.

"My wife," answered Abel Force.

Angus Anglesea threw back his head and laughed aloud--then recovering
himself, said--to one who, unseen, had just joined the group: "I beg your
pardon, Mrs. Force! I really could not help laughing, to hear your good
husband praise you so--unconsciously--before your face! You know."

"I did not know that Elfrida was there," said Mr. Force, half offended
at--he knew not what!--something that he vaguely perceived, but could not
specify.

Mrs. Force had turned deadly pale, and her lips were compressed and her
blue eyes glittering as she took her seat.

It was fortunate, at that moment, that Miss Meeke and the two younger
girls entered the parlor, simultaneously with the ringing of the dinner
bell.

Mrs. Force arose and took the arm of the young midshipman and led the way
to the dining room, followed by the party.

"I hope Miss Force is not indisposed," said Col. Anglesea, missing Odalite
from her place at the table.

"She does not feel very well, but may perhaps join us in the drawing
room," said Mrs. Force, as they all took their seats around the board.

Mr. Force sought to enliven the meal with gay conversation, but signally
failed.

Col. Anglesea affected to treat the young midshipman with great
condescension, but equally failed; for Le ignored and disregarded him to
the verge of actual rudeness--either not hearing his remarks or else
answering them in monosyllables and giving all his attention to his little
cousins, Wynnette and Elva, who were seated, by their own choice, the one
on his right and the other on his left.

Mrs. Force did not attempt to converse, and Miss Meeke, chilled b