one a strange, new interest in the real person, exhibited under subtly novel circumstances; and he began to think it would be pleasant to follow up his imaginary devotion to Natalia with a real passion. X. In proportion as this feeling of the major's grew, Mrs. Magill tired of seeing him perpetually going through the farce with Natalia, and coming out as her tried and trusted lover. She resolved to hasten the date of the performance, perhaps also hoping, furtively, that Natalia wouldn't be ready, and would therefore fail disgracefully. On his part, Barrington, to whom the new partiality for Natalia had made the rehearsals increasingly pleasant, found also that the conflict between this and his promise to Mrs. Magill brought in an element of painfulness. He became exceedingly blue, and even treated the widow morosely. "Zadie," said she, one evening, as they walked home from the drill-room, "what ails you? I thought you were going to get so much amusement out of these theatricals." "I wish I'd never gone into them!" he answered, gloomily. "How unkind to say that, after the condition we made about them!" This allusion didn't improve his temper. "I don't forget my promise, though I _am_ sorry," he said, dubiously. "Sorry about the promise, you mean?" asked the widow, with an archness that failed for want of a street-lamp to light it up. "You wouldn't like it if I should says yes," he retorted. "Oh, if you're sorry," she exclaimed, haughtily, "we'll give up the"--here the major became attentive and eager--"the theatricals altogether!" she concluded. "The theatricals," muttered he, disappointed; "I thought you were going to say--But no! We'll play the farce out, and, when it's done, we'll have the wedding. Does that satisfy you?" "It's very wrong of you to talk of it that way," said Mrs. Magill, too sagacious to lose her temper. "But I know you'll regret it." And so, holding him firmly by the arm, she carried him off to the door, where they parted. XI.