"Eugenia, what nonsense you do talk sometimes!" exclaimed Sydney, when her sister at last stopped to take breath. "I cannot understand how you, who are really so clever, can go on so. It doesn't matter with me, of course, but a great many people wouldn't like it at all--wouldn't understand that you were in fun." "`A great many people' left the room ten minutes ago, my dear Sydney," replied Eugenia, coolly. "Don't distress yourself about me. We have each our special talents, you know; perhaps mine is talking nonsense. It is a great gift, but of course, like all great gifts, it requires cultivation." Sydney did not reply; she turned away, and moved slowly towards the door. "I must go and take my things off," she said, quietly. "No, you mustn't; at least, not till I let you," exclaimed Eugenia. "Now, Sydney, don't be tiresome. You are not to get cross; I've been quite cross enough for both. You should be glad to see I've talked myself into a good humour again. Come here, you crabbed little thing!" she pulled Sydney with her down into her old place in front of the fire; "and if you will be good and nice, I'll tell you about last night. Oh, Sydney it was--I can't tell you what it was--it was so delightful. I never thought anything in the world could be half so nice." She had flung herself down on the rug by her sister, and as she spoke she raised herself on her elbows, her head a little thrown back in her excitement, her bright, expressive eyes looking up eagerly into Sydney's face. Sydney looked full of interest and inquiry; over her face, fair and soft and girlish as it was, there crept an expression of almost maternal anxiety. "I am glad you enjoyed it so much," she said, sympathisingly. "Mrs Dalrymple was very kind, I suppose. Did you see that nice-looking Miss Eyrecourt again? Is she still there?" "She was, but I think she was to leave to-day," said Eugenia. Then after a little pause she went on again--"Yes, she is handsome, certainly; but, Sydney, I don't think I like her. But never mind about her. Oh, Sydney, I did _so_ enjoy it all." "I am very glad," said the younger sister again; "but tell me, Eugenia, why did you enjoy it so much?"