No rule, no custom, obliges you to give any preference in form or fact to one, merely because you chanced to marry her first." "Such, nevertheless, did not seem to be the practice in your father's house.

Your mother was as distinctly wife and mistress as if his sole companion." "My father," she replied, "did not marry a second time till within my own memory; and it was natural and usual to give the first place to one so much older and more experienced.

I have no such claim, and when you see my companions you may find good reason to think that I am the least fit of all to take the first place.

Nor," she added, drawing me from the room, "do I wish it.

If only you will keep in your mind one little place for the memory of our visit to your vessel and your promise respecting it, I shall be more than content." Eveena's humble, unconscious self-abnegation was rendering the conversation intolerably painful, and even the embarrassing situation now at hand was a welcome interruption.