e, and
so they are. But, by-the-way, talking about Hycy Burke, Maria, how do
you like him?"

"I can't say I admire him," she replied, "but you know I have had very
slight opportunities of forming any opinion."

"From what you have seen of him, what do you think?"

"Let me see," she replied, pausing; "why, that he'll meet very few who
will think so highly of him as he does of himself."

"He thinks very highly of you, then."

"How do you know that?" she asked somewhat quickly.

"Faith, Maria, from the best authority--because he himself told me so."

"So, then, I have had the honor of furnishing you with a topic of
conversation?"

"Unquestionably, and you may prepare yourself for a surprise. He's
attached to you."

"I think not," she replied calmly.

"Why so?" he asked.

"Because, if you wish to know the truth, I do not think him capable of
attachment to any one but himself."

"Faith, a very good reason, Maria; but, seriously, if he should
introduce the subject, I trust, at all events, that you will treat him
with respect."

"I shall certainly respect myself, Harry. He need not fear that I shall
read him one of my uncle's lectures upon life and honesty."

"I have promised not to be his enemy in the matter, and I shall keep my
word."

"So you may, Harry, with perfect safety. I am much obliged to him for
his good opinion; but"--she paused.

"What do you stop at, Maria?"

"I was only about to add," she replied, "that I wish it was mutual."

"You wish it," he exclaimed. "What do you mean by that, Maria?"

She laughed. "Don't you know it is only a form of speech? a polite way
of saying that he does not rank high in my esteem?"

"Well, well," he replied, "settle that matter between you; perhaps the
devil is not so black as he's painted."

"A very unhappy illustration," said his sister, "whatever has put it
into your head.'

"Faith, and I don't know what put it there. However, all I can say in
the matter I have already said. I am not, nor shall I be, his enemy.
I'll trouble you, as you're near it, to touch the bell till George gets
the horse. I am going up to his father's, now. Shall I tell him that
John Wallace is discarded; that he will be received with smiles, and
that--"

"How can you be so foolish, Harry?"

"Well, good-bye, at any rate. You are perfectly capable of deciding for
yourself, Maria."

"I trust so," she replied. "There's George with your horse now."

"It's a blue look-up, Master