ur younger sister impertinent
enough to set up a lover, while your pink cheeks are left in the lurch?'

Laura not being wont to make playful repartees, her silence passed
unnoticed. Her feelings were mixed; but perhaps the predominant one was
satisfaction that it was not for her pink cheeks that she was valued.

It had occurred to Mrs. Edmonstone that it was a curious thing, after
her attempt at scheming for Eveleen, to have to announce to her that Guy
was attached to her own daughter; nay, after the willingness Eveleen had
manifested to be gratified with any attention Guy showed her, it seemed
doubtful for a moment whether the intelligence would be pleasing to her.
However, Eveleen was just the girl to like men better than women, and
never to be so happy as when on the verge of flirting; it would probably
have been the same with any other youth that came in her, way, and Guy
might fully be acquitted of doing more than paying her the civilities
which were requisite from him to any young lady visitor. He had, two
years ago, when a mere boy, idled, laughed, and made fun with her, but
his fear of trifling away his time had made him draw back, before he had
involved himself in what might have led to anything further; and during
the present visit, no one could doubt that he was preoccupied with
Amy. At any rate, it was right that Eveleen should know the truth, in
confidence, if only to prevent her from talking of any surmises she
might have.

Mrs. Edmonstone was set at ease in a moment. Eveleen was enchanted,
danced round and round the room, declared they would be the most
charming couple in the world; she had seen it all along; she was so
delighted they had come to an understanding at last, poor things, they
were so miserable all last week; and she must take credit to herself for
having done it all. Was not her aunt very much obliged to her?

'My dear Eva,' exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone, into whose mind the notion
never entered that any one could boast of such a proceeding as hers last
night; but the truth was that Eveleen, feeling slightly culpable, was
delighted that all had turned out so well, and resolved to carry it off
with a high hand.

'To be sure! Poor little Amy! when she looked ready to sink into the
earth, she little knew her obligations to me! Was not it the cleverest
thing in the world? It was just the touch they wanted--the very thing!'

'My dear, I am glad I know that you are sometimes given to talking
non