"Put all that on one side, and let me have you for my friend.

I want one now--not for myself, but for another; for two others, in fact.

You know how fond I am of Maurice, and lately I have contracted quite a romantic, for _me"_--she pauses and laughs--"well, quite a romantic affection, for a little girl staying here with my aunt.

You know who I mean--Tita Bolton." "A charming child ?" "I am so glad you like her! But, as you say, she is a mere child; and Maurice has proposed to her, and she has accepted him, and I am curious about her future." "Hers only ?" "Oh no! His, too!" "It will be a risk, certainly," says Colonel Neilson.

"I thought--I imagined--I had heard that Rylton was engaged to his cousin, Mrs.
Bethune--a very beautiful woman." "How can you think so!" says Margaret.