With these arranged marriages there is often the deuce to pay." "Oh, Felix," said Charlotte, "we did n't want to 'arrange.'" "I am delighted to hear that.

Because in such cases--even when the woman is a thoroughly good creature--she can't help looking for a compensation.

A charming fellow comes along--and voila!" Charlotte sat mutely staring at the floor, and Felix presently added, "Do go on with your slipper, I like to see you work." Charlotte took up her variegated canvas, and began to draw vague blue stitches in a big round rose.

"If Gertrude is so--so strange," she said, "why do you want to marry her ?" "Ah, that 's it, dear Charlotte! I like strange women; I always have liked them.

Ask Eugenia! And Gertrude is wonderful; she says the most beautiful things!" Charlotte looked at him, almost for the first time, as if her meaning required to be severely pointed.