On one side his languid interest would have been instantly roused by Cecilia's glowing auburn hair, her exquisitely pure skin, and her tender blue eyes.

On the other, he would have discovered a bright little creature, who would have fascinated and perplexed him at one and the same time.

If he had been questioned about her by a stranger, he would have been at a loss to say positively whether she was dark or light: he would have remembered how her eyes had held him, but he would not have known of what color they were.

And yet, she would have remained a vivid picture in his memory when other impressions, derived at the same time, had vanished.

"There was one little witch among them, who was worth all the rest put together; and I can't tell you why.