Why, I never heard you talk so before." Esther made no reply, but stood resting her forehead upon the mantelpiece.

Her face was flushed with excitement, and her dark eyes glistened like polished jet.
Mr.Walters stood regarding her for a time with evident admiration, and then said, "You are a brave one, after my own heart." Esther hung down her head, confused by the ardent look he cast upon her, as he continued, "You have taken me by surprise; but it's always the way with you quiet people; events like these bring you out--seem to change your very natures, as it were.

We must look out," said he, with a smile, turning to one of the young men, "or Miss Ellis will excel us all in courage.

I shall expect great things from her if we are attacked to-night." "Don't make a jest of me, Mr.Walters," said Esther, and as she spoke her eyes moistened and her lip quivered with vexation.
"No, no, my dear girl, don't misunderstand me," replied he, quickly; "nothing was farther from my thoughts.

I truly meant all that I said.