Their open expression said plainly, "It is a matter of indifference to me what you think about my dress." Aloud she said: "What have you done with my friends, the Bells ?" "I am afraid, Miss Meadowsweet, that long intercourse with those young ladies would be too severe a strain on my intellect." "Captain Bertram, you don't mean what you are saying." "I do, on my honor.

They are too intellectual for me." "They are not! You are laughing at them." Beatrice stepped back a pace, and looked at him with a heightened color coming into her face.
Captain Bertram began to explain.

Before he could get in a word she said, abruptly: "Pardon me," and flew from his side.
Her movement was so fleet and sudden that he had not realized her departure before the impulsive girl was standing by the despised Matty, talking to her in a cheery and affectionate voice, and making fresh arrangements for the pleasure and satisfaction of all three.
"By Jove, she's a fine creature!" thought the captain.

"I don't mind how much I see of her--but as to the rest of this motley herd, my mother is quite right in not letting the girls have anything to do with them.

I suppose I put my foot in it bringing them here to-night.