d her a good deal at first, but she finally got
used to it; after finding out how innocent auntie was, and how apt to
miscall other names."

"But I thought she would never be content with anybody but Mr. Wert."

"Well, she lost all hope there, and dropped him at once as soon as Dauber
made his appearance."

Mr. Dinsmore inquired about the Kings. Elsie had done so in a private chat
with her aunt, held in her room directly after their arrival.

"The doctor's as busy as ever, killing people all round the country; he's
very successful at it," replied Miss Stanhope; "I've the utmost confidence
in his skill."

"You are a warm friend of his, I know, aunt," said Mr. Dinsmore, smiling,
"but I would advise you not to try to assist his reputation among
strangers."

"Why not, nephew?"

"Lest they should take your words literally, auntie."

"Ah, yes, I must be careful how I use my stumbling tongue," she answered
with a good-humored smile. "I ought to have always by, somebody to correct
my blunders. I've asked Harry to do me that kindness, and he often does."

"It is quite unnecessary with us; for we all know what you intend to say,"
remarked Mrs. Travilla, courteously.

"Thank you, dear madam," said Miss Stanhope; "I am not at all sensitive
about it, fortunately, as my nephew knows, and my blunders afford as much
amusement to any one else as to me; when I'm made aware of them."

"Nettie King is married, papa," said Elsie.

"Ah! Lottie also?"

"No, she's at home and will be in, with her father and mother, this
evening," said Aunt Wealthy. "I've been matching to make a hope between
her and Harry, but find it's quite useless."

"No, we're the best of friends, but don't care to be anything more,"
remarked the young gentleman, coloring and laughing.

"No," said Mr. Travilla, "it is said by some one that two people with hair
and eyes of the same color should beware of choosing each other as
partners for life."

"And I believe it," returned Harry. "Lottie and I are too much alike in
disposition. I must look for a blue-eyed, fair-haired maiden, whose mental
and moral characteristics will supply the deficiencies in mine."

"Gray eyes and brown; that will do very well, won't it?" said the old lady
absently, glancing from Elsie to Mr. Travilla and back again.

Both smiled, and Elsie cast down her eyes with a lovely blush, while Mr.
Travilla answered cheerily, "We think so, Miss Stanhope."

"Call me Aunt Wealthy; almost e