His pencil dropped, his mouth opened, he was downright dazzled by the glowing, bewitching face, sparkling with fun, in the gaunt tree.

Tell me, ladies, did she know, even at that age, the value of that sombre frame to her brightness?
The moment she found herself detected, the gaunt old tree rang musical with a crystal laugh, and out came the arch-dryad.

"I have been there all the time.

How solemn you looked! Now for the result of such profound study." He showed her his work; she altered her tone.

"Oh, how clever!" she cried, "and how rapid! What a facility you have! Monsieur is an artist," said she gravely; "I will be more respectful," and she dropped him a low courtesy.