Ellen Morris was what is termed, a "taking girl." The high, gay spirit, which had distinguished her among her comrades at Mr. Purcell's won her distinction in a world willing to be amused. She had objectionable traits, but there was also much that was admirable and loveable about her. If her over-weening fondness for merriment offended, it was easy to forgive one, whose lively sense of the comic was inbred and irresistible. Still, it was a marvel that the impassioned Lynn should recognise in her the embodiment of his poetic dream of woman. They met before he went to Europe, and the tricksy sprite of a school-girl was not dislodged from his memory by the lures that tried him there. He came back to find a blooming maiden preserving the fresh, joyous grace which had captivated him in the child--and loved! as men seldom love--as women often do--with an abandon of affection, an upyielding of every faculty and thought to the dominion of one sentiment--a love that brings gladness to few hearts, and breaks many! many! Had he asked Ida, with the disinterested equanimity, some suitors we wot of, display, what course she would advise in this momentous matter, she would have responded with a sister's candor, "she does not suit you--rid yourself of your entanglement;" but it was too late;--she must hope with, and for him. In payment for his cautionary remark, she hinted, that, situated as they were, misconstruction and jealousy might be formidable foes to his peace of mind:--that neither smiles nor frowns were unerring indices of a girl's heart. He scouted the implied suspicion. "Jealous of these popinjays!" glancing disdainfully at the black coats and white vests in attendance, as if he thought they contained wound-up automata. "The danger does not appear imminent;" said she. "See that you retain this satisfied state of mind." Her countenance fell, and he heard Josephine say, simperingly-- "How dramatic! pray, Mr. Holmes, is this a rehearsal, or a real performance?" "Most ladies are so versed in love affairs, as to understand the symptoms at a glance;--is not your eye sufficiently practiced?" asked he, with a curling lip. "No, sir. I regret to say that the gentlemen of my acquaintance are not sentimental or politic enough, to get up such scenes." "I have no doubt you _do_ deplore it." "Why, Mr. Holmes!" ejaculated Ellen, with her gleeful laugh; "how ungallant!" "You mistake. It was a skilful combination of veracity and politeness. I must coincide with her, and am pleased that it can be done without violence to my conscience. I wish I could propose a cure for the evil you lament, Miss Read, but I am afraid it is irremediable. Men are obstinate animals." Ida, alarmed, touched his foot; and the lynx eyes saw the slight movement. A deadly light glowed there for an instant, and was extinguished in softness, as she assailed Mr. Lacy. "'In what far distant region of the _hall_.' have you kept yourself all the evening, Sir Truant?"