of Florence beyond what Mrs. Burton had told her. But who
will not forgive her the little deceit that was necessary to her little
revenge?

"I don't know how to describe her," said Harry. "I hope the time may
soon come when you will see her, and be able to judge for yourself."

"I hope so too. It shall not be my fault if I do not like her."

"I do not think you can fail to like her. She is very clever, and that
will go further with you than mere beauty. Not but what I think her
very--very pretty."

"Ah! I understand. She reads a great deal, and that sort of thing. Yes,
that is very nice. But I shouldn't have thought that that would have
taken you. You used not to care much for talent and learning--not in
women, I mean."

"I don't know about that," said Harry, looking very foolish.

"But a contrast is what you men always like. Of course I ought not to
say that, but you will know of what I am thinking. A clever,
highly-educated woman like Miss Burton will be a much better companion
to you than I could have been. You see I am very frank, Harry." She
wished to make him talk freely about himself; his future days, and his
past days, while he was simply anxious to say on these subjects as
little as possible. Poor woman! The excitement of having a passion which
she might indulge was over with her--at any rate, for the present. She
had played her game and had lost woefully; but before she retired
altogether from the gaming-table she could not keep herself from longing
for a last throw of the dice.

"These things, I fear, go very much by chance," said Harry.

"You do not mean me to suppose that you are taking Miss Burton by
chance. That would be as uncomplimentary to her as to yourself."

"Chance, at any rate, has been very good to me in this instance."

"Of that I am sure. Do not suppose that I am doubting that. It is not
only the paradise that you have gained, but the pandemonium that you
have escaped!" Then she laughed slightly, but the laughter was uneasy,
and made her angry with herself. She had especially determined to be at
ease during this meeting, and was conscious that any falling off in that
respect on her part would put into his hands the power which she was
desirous of exercising.

"You are determined to rebuke me, I see," said he. "If you choose to do
so, I am prepared to bear it. My defence, if I have a defence, is one
that I can not use."

"And what would be your defence?"

"I have said that I can