efore, it
is not strange that she shrank from hearing it flippantly discussed and
marriage treated as a bargain to be haggled over, with little thought
of its high duties, great responsibilities, and tender joys. Many
things perplexed her, and sometimes a doubt of all that till now she had
believed and trusted made her feel as if at sea without a compass,
for the new world was so unlike the one she had been living in that it
bewildered while it charmed the novice.

Dr. Alec understood the mood in which he found her and did his best to
warn without saddening by too much worldly wisdom.

"You are something besides an heiress to those who know and love you, so
take heart, my girl, and hold fast to the faith that is in you. There
is a touchstone for all these things, and whatever does not ring true,
doubt and avoid. Test and try men and women as they come along, and I
am sure conscience, instinct, and experience will keep you from any dire
mistake," he said, with a protecting arm about her and a trustful look
that was very comforting.

After a moment's pause she answered, while a sudden smile dimpled around
her mouth and the big glove went up to hide her telltale cheeks: "Uncle,
if I must have lovers, I do wish they'd be more interesting. How can I
like or respect men who go on as some of them do and then imagine women
can feel honored by the offer of their hands? Hearts are out of fashion,
so they don't say much about them."

"Ah, ha! That is the trouble, is it? And we begin to have delicate
distresses, do we?" said Dr. Alec, glad to see her brightening and full
of interest in the new topic, for he was a romantic old fellow, as he
had confessed to his brother.

Rose put down the glove and looked up with a droll mixture of amusement
and disgust in her face. "Uncle, it is perfectly disgraceful! I've
wanted to tell you, but I was ashamed, because I never could boast of
such things as some girls do, and they were so absurd I couldn't feel as
if they were worth repeating even to you. Perhaps I ought, though,
for you may think it proper to command me to make a good match, and of
course I should have to obey," she added, trying to look meek.

"Tell, by all means. Don't I always keep your secrets and give you the
best advice, like a model guardian? You must have a confidant, and where
find a better one than here?" he asked, tapping his waistcoat with an
inviting gesture.

"Nowhere so I'll tell all but the names. I'd best b