then, that you do not think her handsome, sir?"

"To tell you the truth, I never thought anything about it. Ask
Petrancourt; he is an acknowledged judge;" and the doctor bowed in a
flattering manner to the lady who had been the belle of the season at
the time her husband paid his addresses to her.

"I will, when I can get a chance; but he is standing too near the blind
lady--Miss Flint's aunt, is she not?"

"Particular friend; not her aunt."

This conversation had been carried on in a low voice, that Emily might
not hear it. Others, however, were either more careless or more
indifferent to her presence; for Madam Gryseworth began to speak of
Gertrude without restraint, and she was at this moment saying, "One must
see her under peculiar circumstances to be struck with her beauty at
once; for instance, as I did yesterday, when she had just returned from
riding, and her face was in a glow from exercise and excitement; or as
she looks when animated by her intense interest in some glowing and
eloquent speaker, or when her feelings are suddenly touched and the
tears start into her eyes, and her whole soul shines out through them!"

"Why, grandmamma," cries Netta, "you are really eloquent!"

"So is Gertrude, at such times as those I speak of. Oh, she is a girl
after my own heart!"

"She must be a very agreeable young lady, from your account," said Mr.
Petrancourt. "We must know her."

"You will not find her of the same stamp as most of the agreeable young
ladies whom you meet in gay circles. I must tell you what Horace Willard
said of her. He is an accomplished man and a scholar--his opinion is
worth something. He had been staying a fortnight at the United States
Hotel, and used to call occasionally to see us. The day he left he came
to me and said--'Where is Miss Flint? I must have one more refreshing
conversation with her before I go. It is a perfect rest to be in that
young lady's society, for she never seems to be making the least effort
to talk with me, or to expect any attempt on my part; she is one of a
few girls who never speak unless they have something to say.' How she
has contrived to quiet those children!"

Mr. Petrancourt followed the direction of Madame Gryseworth's eyes. "Is
that the young lady you were speaking of?" asked he. "The one with great
dark eyes, and such a splendid head of hair? I have been noticing her
for some time."

"Yes, that is she, talking to the little girl in black."

"Madame G