"Yes. Women understand each other. Something you said--but do not think I'm seeking to learn what it was--moved her sympathies." "Oh, she's kind and sympathetic toward every poor mortal." "Very true; but she's intensely womanly; and a woman is incapable of a benevolence and sympathy that are measured out by the yard--so much to each one, according to the dictates of judgment. You were so fortunate as to move Mrs. Yocomb somewhat as she touched your feelings; and you have cause to be glad; for she can be a friend that will make life richer." "I think I can now recall what excited her sympathies, and may tell you some time, that is, if you do not send me away." "I send you away?" "Yes, I told you that you were the one obstacle to my remaining." She looked at me as if perplexed and a little hurt. I did not reply at once, for her countenance was so mobile, so obedient to her thought and feeling, that I watched its varied expressions with an interest that constantly deepened. In contrast to Adah Yocomb's her face was usually pale; and yet it had not the sickly pallor of ill-health, but the clear, transparent complexion that is between the brunette and the blonde. Her eyes were full, and the impression of largeness, when she looked directly at you, was increased by a peculiar outward curve of their long lashes. Whether her eyes could be called blue I could not yet decide, and they seemed to darken and grow a little cold as she now looked at me; but she merely said, quietly: "I do not understand you." "This was your chosen resting-place for the summer, was it not, Miss Warren?" "Yes." "Well, then, what right have I, an entire stranger, to come blundering along like a June beetle and disturb your rest? You did not look forward to associations with night editors and like disreputable people when you chose this sheltered nook of the world, and nestled under Mrs. Yocomb's wing. You have the prior right here." As I spoke, her face so changed that it reminded me of the morning of this eventful day when I first looked out upon its brightness, and as I ceased her laugh rang out heartily. "So after all your fate is in my hands." "It is. You have pre-empted this claim." "Suppose I am a little non-committal, and should say, You may spend the evening, you may stay till to-morrow; would you be content?" "No, indeed, but I would have to submit." "Well, this is rich. Who ever heard of an editor--and the shrewd, alert, night editor at that--in such a dilemma! Do you realize what an unwise step you have taken? Mr. Yocomb justly complimented your shrewdness in getting Mrs. Yocomb on your side, and having won her over you were safe, and might have remained in this Eden as long as you chose. Now you place it within the power--the caprice even--of an utter stranger to send you out into the wilderness again." I said, with a smile, "I am satisfied that you differ from your mother Eve in one respect." "Ah! in what respect?"