A flush of color crimsoned her cheeks and brow, and an indignant light flashed from her eyes.

In time, however, she was able to murmur to herself: "This is only Mrs.Bell's talk, and how could I be so silly as to mind Mrs.Bell ?" So after a pause she said with effort, "I must congratulate Matty on her engagement; I am glad Matty is happy." "Ah, my dear, and well she may be! Glad should I be to know that other girls had half so bright a future before them.

Rich, handsome, and young, that's what Gusty is! Devoted! he's like one of the old knights for devotion.

I have had my qualms about the jealousy of his nature, but otherwise Gusty is, _song pear and song reproach_." At this moment the door was opened, some childish giggles and mirth were heard in the passage, and Matty rushed in, followed by the redoubtable Gusty.

"Oh, Gus, you'll kill me!" she exclaimed; "you are too funny.
Why, ma, is that you?
And--and--Bee?
How do you do, Bee ?" Matty came over and kissed her friend awkwardly.
"I am very glad to hear of your happiness, Matty," said Beatrice; "and I congratulate you, too, Augustus," she added, turning to the bashful swain.
"Oh, you want us to leave this room to yourselves, you two naughty things!" said the mother, shaking her head in fat ecstasy over her two turtle-doves.