least up to that period when Colonel French
dawned upon her horizon, and for some time thereafter. If she had put
herself foremost in all her thoughts, it had been the unconscious
egotism of youth, with no definite purpose of self-seeking. The things
for which she wished most were associated with distant places, and her
longing for them had never taken the form of envy of those around her.
Indeed envy is scarcely a vice of youth; it is a weed that flourishes
best after the flower of hope has begun to wither. Graciella's views
of life, even her youthful romanticism were sane and healthful; but
since she had not been tried in the furnace of experience, it could
only be said of her that she belonged to the class, always large, but
shifting like the sands of the sea, who have never been tempted, and
therefore do not know whether they would sin or not.

It was inevitable, with such a nature as Graciella's, in such an
embodiment, that the time should come, at some important crisis of her
life, when she must choose between different courses; nor was it
likely that she could avoid what comes sometime to all of us, the
necessity of choosing between good and evil. Her liking for Colonel
French had grown since their first meeting. He knew so many things
that Graciella wished to know, that when he came to the house she
spent a great deal of time in conversation with him. Her aunt Laura
was often busy with household duties, and Graciella, as the least
employed member of the family, was able to devote herself to his
entertainment. Colonel French, a comparatively idle man at this
period, found her prattle very amusing.

It was not unnatural for Graciella to think that this acquaintance
might be of future value; she could scarcely have thought otherwise.
If she should ever go to New York, a rich and powerful friend would be
well worth having. Should her going there be delayed very long, she
would nevertheless have a tie of friendship in the great city, and a
source to which she might at any time apply for information. Her
fondness for Colonel French's society was, however, up to a certain
time, entirely spontaneous, and coloured by no ulterior purpose. Her
hope that his friendship might prove valuable was an afterthought.

It was during this happy period that she was standing, one day, by the
garden gate, when Colonel French passed by in his fine new trap,
driving a spirited horse; and it was with perfect candour that she
waved her