t feeling his absence; but
I almost think it is a relief," said she, slightly flushing.

"A relief, Florry! And in what way?"

"I don't know; that is, I'm not disposed to go into a nice analysis of
Mr. Calvert's mind, and the effect produced upon my own, by the mere
iteration of things I never agreed with. Besides, I don't want in the
least to limit your regrets for him. He was one of your favourites."

"I always thought him more a favourite of yours than mine, Florry."

"Then I suspect you made a great mistake; but really, I think we might
talk of something else. What about those hyacinths; didn't you tell me
they ought to be moved?"

"Yes, Harry said they had too much sun there, and were losing colour in
consequence."

"I can't imagine him a great authority in gardening."

"Well, but he really knew a great deal about it, and had an exquisite
taste in the landscape part of it; witness that little plat under your
window."

"The fuchsias are pretty," said she, with a saucy air. "Isn't the post
late to-day?"

"It came two hours ago. Don't you remember my saying there were no
letters, except two for Harry?"

"And where are you to forward them to him? Has he been confidential
enough to tell you?"

"No; he said, if anything comes for me, keep it till you hear of me."

"He affected mystery. I think he imagined it gave something of romance
to him, though a more prosaic, worldly character, never existed."

"I don't agree with you, Florry. I think it was the worldliness was the
affectation."

Florence coloured deeply, but made no reply.

"And I'll tell you why I am convinced of it. In the mention of anything
heroic or daring, or in allusion to any trait of deep devotion or
pathetic tenderness, his lip would tremble and his voice falter, and
then catching himself, and evidently ashamed of his weakness, he would
come out with some silly, or even heartless remark, as though to mask
his confusion and give him time to recover himself!"

"I never noticed this," said Florence, coldly. "Indeed, I must confess
to a much less critical study of his character than you have bestowed on
him."

"You are unjust yourself. It was you first pointed out this trait in him
to me."

"I forget it, then, that's all," said she, captiously.

"Oh, I knew he was ashamed of being thought romantic."

"I thought I had asked you to talk of something or somebody else, Milly.
Let us, at least, select a topic we can think and speak on wit