"She is a Northern, as mamma is a Southern fanatic, with the difference that she is a young, effervescing creature, bubbling over with the excitement of the times," he thought. "That fellow in uniform, and the society of men like Strahan and Lane, haye turned her head, and she has not seen enough of life to comprehend a man of the world. What do I care for her, or any here? Her briery talk should only amuse me. When she learns more about who I am and what I possess she will be inclined to imitate her discreet mamma and think of the main chance; meanwhile I escape a summer's dulness and ennui;" and so he philosophically continued his observations and chatted with Mrs. Vosburgh and others until, with Strahan, he took his departure, receiving from Marian a bow merely, while to Strahan she gave her hand cordially. "You seem to be decidedly in Miss Vosburgh's good graces," said Merwyn, as they drove away. "I told you she was my friend." "Is it very difficult to become her friend?" "Well, that depends. You should not find it difficult, since you are so greatly my superior." "Oh, come, Strahan." "Pardon me, I forgot I was to express only my own thoughts, not yours." "You don't know my thoughts or circumstances. Come now, let us be good comrades. I will begin by thanking you cordially for introducing me to a charming young girl. I am sure I put on no airs this evening." "They would not have been politic, Merwyn, and, for the life of me, I can see no reason for them." "Very well. Therefore you didn't see any. How like old times we are! We were always together, yet always sparring a little." "You must take us as we are in these times," said Strahan, with a light laugh, for he felt it would jeopardize his scheme, or hope rather, if he were too brusque with his companion. "You see it is hard for us to understand your cosmopolitan indifference. American feeling just now is rather tense on both sides of the line, and if you will recognize the fact you will understand us better." "I think I am already aware of the fact. If Miss Vosburgh were of our sex you would soon have another recruit." "I'd soon have a superior officer, you mean." "I fancy you are rather under her thumb already." "It's a difficult position to attain, I assure you." "How so?" "I have observed that, towards a good many, Miss Vosburgh is quite your equal in indifference." "I like her all the better for that fact." "So do I." "How is it that you are so favored?" "No doubt it seems strange to you. Mere caprice on her part, probably." "You misunderstand me. I would like to learn your tactics." "Jove! I'd like to teach you. Come down to-morrow and I'll give you a musket." "You are incorrigible, Strahan. Do you mean that her good-will can be won only at the point of the bayonet?" "No one coached me. Surely you have not so neglected your education abroad that you do not know how to win a lady's favor." "You are a neutral, indeed."