tre or opera, there was a personal drama under her
observation, in which she played no subordinate part; and even at her
own fireside and table, she found that in many ways she could direct
and advise and control events, to the end she thought most desirable.

For she had definitely made up her mind that the marriage of Rose to
Antony would be the girl's salvation; and she was resolved to
accomplish it. That Mrs. Filmer actively, and Mr. Filmer mildly,
disapproved the union only filliped her design onward to its
completion. She believed Emma Filmer's affections to have "undergone
the world" and become dead to all but worldly considerations of
position and money. And as for Henry Filmer's opinions on any living
question, she thought it might be as profitable to consult a mediaeval
ghost. In both of these conclusions she was wrong; but it would have
been very difficult to have convinced her of her error.

Adriana's affairs in some respects gave her less trouble. Adriana felt
no special interest in any of the gentlemen inclined to feel a
special interest in her. Only to Professor Snowdon did she show
herself in that sweet home abandon which was her great charm; to all
others, she was grave, tideless-blooded, calm and cool. The ordinary
young man was a little uncomfortable in her presence. She had none of
the ready platitudes which were the current coin of his conversation;
and in the spaciousness of her nature, he got bewildered and lost.

This attitude was a trifle provoking sometimes. "You are too
large-minded, Adriana," said Miss Alida to her one morning, as they
sat talking. "That comes of measuring yourself by Cousin Peter all the
time. But though it is right that old people should think for
themselves, youth ought to be conventional. What harm is there in
dancing? And why can you not go to the Filmers' dance?"

"There is not, perhaps, any harm in the act of dancing; but father
says no one can dance and think at the same time, and that way
mischief lies. When you dance, your brains are in your toes, and you
let consideration slip. You are at the mercy of your emotions also;
and that is a kind of thing to rot the moral fibre. I quote father,
and you need not hold up your hands at my 'consideration.' As for
going to Mrs. Filmer's, I have a personal reluctance to do so. She
practically bowed me out of her house not so long ago."

"But Rose did not know it. And Emma Filmer is a woman of the world,
and appreciates peo