urable rival."

"What, from the strong-minded Curtia?"

"Ah! but have we not just heard that this is not the genuine article,
only a country-made imitation? No wonder it was not proof against an
honourable colonel in a brown beard."

"So much the better; only unluckily there has been a marked avoidance of
him."

"Yes; the Colonel was sacrificed with all other trivial incidents at the
shrine of the F. U. L. E.--E. E., I mean. And only think of finding out
that one has been sacrificing empty air after all--and to empty air!"

"Better than to sacrifice everything to oneself," said Alick.

"Not at all. The latter practice is the only way to be agreeable!
By-the-bye, Alick, I wonder if she will deign to come to the ball?"

"What ball?"

"Your ball at Avoncester. It is what I am staying on for! Major McDonald
all but promised me one; and you know you must give one before you leave
this place."

"Don't you know that poor Fraser has just been sent for home on his
sister's death?"

"But I conclude the whole regiment does not go into mourning?"

"No, but Fraser is the one fellow to whom this would be real enjoyment.
Indeed, I particularly wish no hints may be given about it. Don't deny,
I know you have ways of bringing about what you wish, and I will not
have them used here. I know something of the kind must be done before we
leave Avoncester, but to give one this autumn would be much sooner than
needful. I believe there is hardly an officer but myself and Fraser to
whom the expense would not be a serious consideration, and when I tell
you my father had strong opinions about overdoing reciprocities of
gaiety, and drawing heavily on the officers' purses for them, I do not
think you will allow their regard for him to take that manifestation
towards you."

"Of course not," said Bessie, warmly; "I will not think of it again.
Only when the fate does overtake you, you will have me here for it,
Alick?"

He readily promised, feeling gratified at the effect of having spoken to
his sister with full recognition of her good sense.

Meantime Rachel was feeling something of what Bessie ascribed to her,
as if her sacrifice had been snatched away, and a cloud placed in its
stead. Mortification was certainly present, and a pained feeling of
having been made a fool of, whether by the Colonel or herself, her
candid mind could hardly decide; but she was afraid it was by herself.
She knew she had never felt sure enough of his attent