"You need not be so curt and sharply sweet, my dear. Here I have been listening to marvellous accounts of your amiability and devotion"-- "Don't, Rene!" implored her mother. "Sylvie _is_ good to me." "And it might make the sweetness weak if she stretched it out to me! Keep it intact for those who so delight in it. I am fond of spice and high flavoring." "These nectarines are perfect," declared Mrs. Lawrence. "One can taste the sunshine in them." "How poetic, mother mine! Does Fred come and read Latin verses to you and Sylvie? I may have one"--stretching out her jewelled hand. "Oh, they are delicious! worth coming home for, even if I had not wanted mamma's pearls." "And money and every thing," added her mother. "Rene, you ought not to be so extravagant. Papa is quite depressed with the state of business." "Yes, I have heard _that_ ever since I left my cradle;" and Rene laughed gayly. It suddenly crossed Sylvie's mind: what if this proud, imperious girl should be reduced to poverty some day? "Don't plan a conspiracy against me, Sylvie Barry! I saw it in your eyes!" A vivid flush overspread Sylvie's face, as if she had been caught in the commission of some crime. Irene's laugh rang again with a peculiar irritating sound. "I could not form a conspiracy against you--even if I so desired. And I must go." Sylvie rose with a haughty air. "Wish me worlds to conquer at least, or scalps to hang at my belt. No? You ungracious little thing! There is a good-by kiss to show you that I always hold out the right hand of peace." "Have the carriage, Sylvie: it will not take a moment"-- "No, thank you," in a crisp tone. She would have nothing of these Lawrences just now. "Fred will get a spicy wife," commented Irene, with a peculiar smile. "She is never so with him. They get along beautifully," said the mother. "Fred is too lazy to rouse Sylvie. Women have quite spoiled him. And Sylvie is ever so much prettier when a trifle vexed. Don't tell me about her angelic qualities, though I suppose she does keep super-amiable before you and Fred just now. I wonder if I could if I were in love!" "Irene, I am sorry I hinted it. If you begin to tease Fred"-- "I shall not: set your heart at rest. I give full and free consent, and approve heartily. Beside, the little thing might throw herself away if she was not looked after. There will always be some one to stay at home with you." Mrs. Lawrence turned to her book and her nectarines; and Irene tumbled over jewel-cases,--a proud, imperious beauty, whose heart had never been touched, who cared only for pleasure and triumphs. Over yonder, men and women were toiling, that she might have gold to squander. They lived scantily, that she might feast. And the brave old world, seeing it all, uttered a silent groan. One day it would speak out. CHAPTER VI.