"It's a pity I've nothing to tell, in view of my sympathizing audience," he replied, with a glance at the gigglers on the other seats. "But I have been told," said Lottie, "that in emergencies committees have been appointed to select wives for missionaries, and that there are excellent women who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the cause." An explosion of laughter followed these words, but she looked at the others in innocent surprise. "That's a funny speech for you to make so gravely," said Hemstead. "I fear you are quizzing me. Your missionary lore certainly exceeds mine in regard to the 'committees.' But there will be no emergency in my case, and I should be sorry to have any woman, excellent or otherwise, sacrifice herself for me." "I have certainly heard so," said Lottie, positively. "I fear you have heard more to the prejudice of missionaries and their works than in their favor," he said somewhat gravely. "But I am willing to hear the other side," she whispered in his ear. "Now I protest against that," said De Forrest. "I'll give you the privilege of whispering to Bel," said Lottie, sweetly. "O, thank you," replied De Forrest, with a shrug. "You can also help me out," she continued, as the sleigh stopped at Mrs. Marchmont's door. As he did so he whispered in her ear, "Capital, Lottie, you are a star actress, and always my bright particular star." "Don't be sentimental, Julian," was her only response. At this moment Lottie's brother Dan fired a snow-ball that carried off Mr. Hemstead's hat; at which all laughed, and expected to see the young theologian assume a look of offended dignity. He disappointed them by good-naturedly springing out after his hat, and was soon romping with the boy and Mrs. Marchmont's two younger children. This was too tempting to Lottie, who joined the frolic at once. Hemstead laughingly allowed himself to be their victim, and skilfully threw great snow-balls so as just to miss them, while they pelted him till he was white, and, as if utterly defeated, he led them a breathless chase up and down the broad path. Their cries and laughter brought half the household to the doors and windows to watch the sport. De Forrest ventured down from the piazza, with the thought that he could throw a spiteful ball or two at one he already disliked a little, as well as despised. But Hemstead immediately showed what a self-sacrificing victim he was to Lottie and the children by almost demolishing De Forrest with a huge snow-ball that stung his ear sharply, got down his neck, spoiling his collar, and necessitating such a toilet that he was late for dinner. His plight took Lottie out of the field also, for she sank on the lower step of the piazza, her hand upon her side, helpless with laughter. Hemstead retreated to a side door, where he shook himself after the manner of a polar bear, and escaped to his room. CHAPTER VII. ANOTHER SPELL THAN BEAUTY'S.