“Have we drifted among the proverbs of Solomon?” inquired David, dryly. “No need to make so many tacks, Eve. Haven't I seen your sense and profited by it--I and one or two more? Who but you has steered the house this ten years, and commanded the lubberly crew?” * * The reader must not be misled by the familiar phraseology of these two speakers to suppose that anything the least droll or humorous was intended by either of them at any part of this singular dialogue. Their hearts were sad and their faces grave. “And then again, David, where the heart is concerned, young women are naturally in advance of young men.” “God knows. He made them both. I don't.” “Why, all the world knows it. And then, besides, I am five years older than you. “So mother says; but I don't know how to believe it. No one would say so to look at you.” “I'll tell you, David. Folk that have small features look a deal younger than their years; and you know poor father used to say my face was the pattern of a flat-iron. So nobody gives me my age; but I am five good years older than you, only you needn't go and tell the town crier.” “Well, Eve?” “Well, then, put all these together, and now, why not come to me for friendly advice and the voice of reason?” “Reason! reason! there are other lights besides reason.” “Jack-o'-lantern, eh? and Will-o'-the-wisp.” “Eve, nobody can advise me that can't feel for me. Nobody can feel for me that doesn't know my pain; and you don't know that, because you were never in love.” “Oh, then, if I had ever been in love, you would listen.” “As I would to an angel from Heaven.” “And be advised by me.” “Why not? for then you'd be competent to advise; but now you haven't an idea what you are talking about.” “What a pity! Don't you think it would be as well if you were not to speak to me so sulky?” “I ask your pardon; Eve. I did not mean to offend you.” “Davy, dear--for God's sake what is this chill that has come between you and me? You are a man. Speak out like a man.” David turned his great calm, sorrowful eye full upon her. “Well, then, Eve, if the truth must be told, I am disappointed in you.” “Oh, David.” “A little. You are not the girl I took you for. You know which way my fancy lies, yet you keep steering me in the teeth of it; then you see how down-hearted I am this while, but not a word of comfort or hope comes from you, and me almost dried up for want of one.” “Make one word of it, David--I am not a sister to you.” “I don't say that, but you might be kinder; you are against me just when I want you with me the most.” “Now this is what I like,” said Eve, cheerfully; “this is plain speaking. So now it is my turn, my lad. Do you remember Balaam and his ass?” “Sure,” said David; but, used as he was to Eve's transitions, he couldn't help staring a little at being carried eastward ho so suddenly. “Then what did the ass say when she broke silence at last?”