"It must be distressing to feel herself the least attractive, the least noticed among her companions, and on such an occasion.

I cannot conceive how I could bear to form part of such a spectacle; but if I were in her place, I suppose I should be hurt and humbled at finding that nobody cared to look at me in the presence of others prettier and better dressed than myself." "Well," I said, "of all the faces I see I like that the best.

I suppose I must not speak to her ?" "Why not ?" said Eveena in surprise.

"You are not bound to purchase her, any more than we bought all we looked at to-day." "It did not occur to me," I replied, "that I could be regarded as a possible suitor, nor do I think I could find courage to present myself to that young lady in a manner which must cause her to look upon me in that light.

Ask Eunane if she knows her." Here Eive and the others joined us and took their places on my right.
Eveena, leaving her seat for a moment, spoke apart with Eunane.
"Will you speak to her ?" she said, returning.