yourself; and I must thank you for so
politely relieving me."

"I see no reason, Stewart, why you should not join our party, and lend
your assistance toward enlivening the tedious hours yet in store for
us; though only a few more days of travel remain, thank Heaven."

"One would suppose, from the fear of ennui which seems to cloud your
future, that Mary and I had not succeeded so happily as we imagined,
in our efforts to entertain you."

"Pardon me, Miss Florence, if I have failed duly to appreciate your
kind efforts; though candor compels the avowal, that I was not aware
any extraordinary exertion was made in my behalf."

"Really, Frank, I should say you have made considerable progress
in raising yourself in your own estimation since last I heard you
converse. Mrs. Carlton, I am afraid this climate is unfavorable for
the growth of at least two of the cardinal virtues."

"Your insinuation is contemptible, because utterly without grounds.
Miss Florence, I appeal to you, as worthy the privilege of acting as
umpire in this important discussion. Have you ever observed aught in
my conduct indicating a want of humility?"

"Unfortunately, Doctor, should I return an answer in your favor, it
would be at the expense of a virtue equally entitled to pre-eminence."

"To the very candid Miss Hamilton, I must return thanks for her
disinterested and very flattering decision."

Here the conversation was interrupted by a call to the evening meal,
and gladly they obeyed the welcome summons.

Florence glancing round perceived the absence of her cousin, and
inquired the cause.

"I dare say she is asleep, poor child," said Aunt Lizzy.

"She is trying to rest, Miss Hamilton, and I would not advise any
interruption. She needs quiet, for she was sorely tried by this day's
fatigues," observed Dr. Bryant.

"I am afraid so," replied Florence, an anxious look again settling on
her face. "Oh, I wish on her account we could reach a place of rest
and safety. I fear she has failed in strength since leaving San
Antonio."

"How sadly changed she has become: had she not spoken in her old,
familiar tones, I should not have known her. I earnestly hope there
is nothing serious in her attack, and that she will soon regain her
former bloom; it pains me to see her so altered," said Mr. Stewart.

"She cannot possibly improve while subjected to the fatigues of this
journey. I feared she was scarce able to endure it," answered Frank.

The conver