"Johnny," said Miss Walton, "it is manly to yield to the least and weakest, especially if she be a little woman." The boy thought a moment, and then with an amusing assumption of dignity said, "You may read Susie's story first, aunty." "Susie, promise Johnny that his story shall be read first next time;" which Susie promptly did with a touch of the womanly grace which accompanies favors bestowed after the feminine will has triumphed. "Now, little miniature man and woman, listen!" and their round eyes were ready for the world of wonders. And this child of nature was at the same time showing Gregory a world as new and strange--a world that he had caught glimpses of when a boy, but since had lost hopelessly. She carried the children away into fairy-land. She suggested to him a life in which simplicity, truth, and genuine goodness might bring peace and hope to the heart. "Well, what do you think of the fairy story?" she asked after she had finished and the children had drawn sighs of intense relief at the happy denouement, in which the ugly ogre was slain and the prince and princess were married: "I did not hear it," he said. "That's complimentary. But you appeared listening very closely." "You have heard of people reading a different meaning between the lines, and I suppose one can listen to a different meaning." "And what could you find between the lines of this fairy tale?" she asked with interest. "It would be difficult for me to explain--something too vague and indefinite for words, I fear. But if you will read me something else I will listen to the text itself." "Come, children, scamper off to the garret," said Annie, "and remember you are nearer heaven up there, and so must be very kind and gentle to each other." "You will fill those youngsters' heads with beautiful superstitions." "Superstition and faith are not so very far apart, though so unlike." "Yes, it is hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins." "Is it?" "Isn't it?" "I don't like to contradict you, sir." "You have contradicted me, and I suppose it is manly to yield to a lady.'" "Not in matters of principle and honest conviction." "Alas! if one has not very much of either!" "It is a very great misfortune, and, I suppose I ought to add, fault." "I have no doubt it is a misfortune, Miss Walton, but you are not reading." "Well, make your choice." "I leave it entirely to you." "You don't look very well to-day. I will select something light and cheerful from Dickens." "Excuse me, please. I am in no mood for his deliberate purpose to make one laugh." "Then here is Irving. His style flows like a meadowbrook." "No, he is too sentimental." "Walter Scott, then, will form a happy medium." "No, he wearies one with explanations and history." "Some of Tennyson's dainty idylls will suit your fastidious taste." "I couldn't abide his affected, stilted language to-day." "Shakespeare, then; you regard him as perfect."