chance of becoming general, and each
one had some personal items of information to offer which appeared to
her to be of absorbing interest. Lilias had paid a visit to an old
school friend, where she had had many pleasing adventures, which she
related in characteristic manner. Her sisters often discussed what it
was which gave to Lilias's stories such a suggestive and flattering
atmosphere. It must have been something peculiar in the way in which
they were told; for though she never said such a thing in so many words,
the hearers were yet impressed by the fact that she had played a leading
part, had been surfeited with admiration, and positively oppressed by
the attentions which she had received! This evening was no exception to
the rule; for as she spoke the listeners saw before them a picture of
her own lovely figure moving like a queen through the scenes which she
described, her humble vassals following in her wake. Lilias must be
cleverer than most people supposed, Nan told herself sagely, as she
watched the face of the visitor, to see how he was impressed by the
recitals. Impossible to say! Ned stared fixedly at his plate, and made
no remark. He very seldom looked at Lilias at all, Nan noticed. If it
was not too absurd, she would have thought that he really avoided
looking in her direction, while at every point in the conversation his
eyes turned towards Maud, as if asking her sympathy in his enjoyment.
Nan's spirit rose with a bound, and she burst into the conversation once
more, talking every one down by her high, clear tones.

"Mr Talbot, do you realise that I've growed up since you saw me last?
I've said good-bye to childish things, and blossomed into a society
dame. I'm a lady growed. Didn't you notice it?"

Ned's eyes gleamed upon her with the deep, kindly glow which Maud knew
and loved to see.

"I didn't, Nan; I'm sorry. I thought you looked exactly the same!"

"Never noticed my long skirts, or my done-up hair?"

"No!" Ned looked surprised, and tilted slightly back in his chair to
obtain a better view of Nan's head. It was really rather puzzling to
decide whether her curly mop was intended to be up or down; and the
burst of laughter which followed showed how perfectly his uncertainty
was appreciated. Nan made a grimace intended to express reckless
indifference, and waved her bandaged hand in the air.

"Well, it _is_ up! Don't pay any attention to those silly things. I
ought to know best