While yet a stranger, the expression of her blue eyes, as she glanced around, was so kindly that she at once won the good-will of all who encountered them. This genial, friendly light in her eyes seemed a marked characteristic. It was so different from the obtrusive, forward manner with which some seek to make acquaintances, that it would not have suggested a departure from modest reserve, even to the most cynical. It rather indicated a heart aglow with gentle feeling and genial good-will, like a maple-wood fire on a hospitality hearth, that warms all who come within the sphere of its influence. Van Berg was naturally reserved, and slow to make new acquaintances. But before he had stolen many glances of the face opposite him he began to wish for the privilege of speaking to her--a wish that was increased by the fact that they were alone at the table, the other guests who usually occupied the chairs not having returned from their morning drive. she did not look at him in particular, nor appear to be in the least struck by his "distingue" air, as Ida had been before she was blinded by prejudice; but she looked out upon the world at large with such a friendly aspect that he was sure she had something pleasant to say. He was therefore well pleased when at last the landlord bustled up in his brusque way and said: "Mr. Van Berg, permit me to make you acquainted with Miss Burton. She has had the faith to put herself under my charge for a few weeks, and I shall reward her by sharing the responsibility with you, who seem blessed with the benevolent desire of giving us all a good time," and then he bustled off to look after some other matter which required his attention during the critical hour of dinner. Miss Burton acknowledged the young man's bow without a trace of affectation or reserve. "I shall try not to prove a burden to either of you," she said, with a smile. "I have already discovered that you will not be," said Van Berg, "and was wishing for an introduction." "I hope your wishes may always find so ready a fulfillment." "That's a kindly wish, Miss Burton, but a vain one." "Were we misanthropical people, Mr. Van Berg, we might sigh, 'and such are human wishes generally.'" "One is often tempted to do that anyway, even when not especially prone to look askance at fortune." "There is an easy way of escaping that temptation." "How?" "Do not form many wishes." "Have you very few wishes?" With a slight and piquant motion of her head she replied, "I was only giving a bit of trite advice. It's asking a great deal to require that one should both preach and practice." "I think you are possessed by one wish which swallows up most others," said Van Berg, a little abruptly. A visible pallor overspread her face, and she drew back perceptibly as one might shrink from a blow.