"I thought so.

He--he looked like he was a man." "How old are you, Naida ?" "Nearly eighteen." Miss Spencer leaned impulsively forward, and clasped the other's hands, her whole soul responding to this suggestion of a possible romance, a vision of blighted hearts.

"Why, it is perfectly delightful," she exclaimed.

"I had no idea it was so serious, and really I don't in the least blame you.

You love him, don't you, Naida ?" The girl flashed a shy look into the beaming, inquisitive face.