as there would be any occasion
for that, for you, whose heart is made for love, seem to be in no danger
at present of losing it."

"I certainly respect the gentlemen who visit us, but as for having a
preference for one more than another, I have not; and, Winnie dear, just
ask yourself if you ever give one thought to any one of those who
deceive themselves by thinking that they, of all others, are preeminent
in your regards."

"I must acknowledge that I do not give them a thought, after the door
once closes upon them; poor, deluded creatures!"

"But do you think it right to deceive them thus?"

"Natie, darling, if you were not the most romantic creature that ever
was, I should call you Miss Matter-of-fact! But really, I don't know as
there is anything very criminal in helping such people to open their
eyes; they find out, sooner or later, that I am of the opinion,--there
are as good fish in the sea as ever was caught."

The Sea-flower said no more, for she feared her words might be worse
than useless; but such are never idle words, and though Winnie appeared
to give them little heed, yet many times afterward, in the midst of her
gaiety, did she remember the Sea-flower's question,--"is it right to
deceive thus?"

* * * * *

"Eighteen years old to-day! Mother, just eighteen to-day!" shouted
Winnie, as she came into the breakfast room, her cheeks vieing with the
red of the rose; "how happy I am!" and casting a look of contempt at the
hot rolls and coffee, as if such things were hereafter to be classed
among the necessities of the past, she went bounding away to find her
father. Opening the door of the _boudoir_, she paused; arranged upon the
table were her birthday gifts, and Mr. Santon had spared no pains to
make the collection as rare as possible. In the centre of the table was
a set of diamonds for the hair, and as Winnie clasped them about her
dark tresses, she laughed outright, exclaiming,--"They are so handsome!
papa, I cannot wait for night to come! But what is this?" she asked,
drawing from a case a string of pearls, and holding them up to the
light. In the centre of the collection was one curiously wrought pearl,
so formed as to represent a star, and the sparkling of several diamonds
from within, produced a very brilliant effect. Examining it closely, she
discovered the initials, "N. G.," wrought upon the setting."

"It is for you, Natalie!" she exclaimed to the Sea-flower, w