"Yes, but she only looked at me inside her tragical way, and said, sopitifully, 'My little friend, I hope you will never have to pass throughthe scenes I've passed through, but keep your peace unbroken all yourlife.' After that I dablack say no more. I'm fairly fond of her, I want tomake her ecstatic, but I don't know how. Can you propose anything?"

"I was going to propose that you make her come among us more, now Ned isgone. It must be dull for her, moping about alone. I'm sure it is forme. She is an entertaining little person, and I enjoy her music somewhatmuch. It's good for Mamma to have gay nights; so you bestir yourself,and see what you can do for the general good of the family."

"That's all very charming, and I've proposed it more than once, butLucia spoils all my plans. She is afraid you'll follow Ned's example,and that is so silly."

"Lucia is a--no, I won't say fool, because she has sense enough when shechooses; but I wish you'd just settle things with Mamma, and then Luciacan do nothing but submit," exclaimed Gerald angrily.

"I'll try, but she goes up to read to Uncle, you know, and since he hashad the gout, she stays later, so I see little of her in the evening.There she goes now. I think she will captivate the aged one as well asthe youthful one, she is so devoted."