th;" and
it was overtaxing the fringed lids of the mischievous Winnie's eyes, in
adding to their duties the office of sentinel.

"Ah, you rogue; have your critic's ears been listening to my feeble
endeavors to repay the Signor for his untiring labors?"

"One can hear your music without listening, for I was deep in thought of
the time when I shall come out from under the tyrannical power of
instructors, and can do as I like; for my part, I am tired to death of
this continual,--'Miss Winifred, this piece must be executed with milder
intonations;' or, 'Miss Winifred, that chapter of Spanish must be told
with greater fluency.' I have come to dread the very name of Professor,
and I never can look out of the window but I see some pale-faced
gentleman of the profession approaching, with his badge under his arm;
but those edifying ideas all vanished at the first strain of your 'Casta
Diva.' If I could produce such an effect, what would I not give;" and
the beauty drew her arm around the Sea-flower, and spoke in a
lower tone.

"Natalie, you know I shall come out on my eighteenth birthday, and that
will be in a very short time; then I can do as I like; but how can I
let all of these charming performances of the celebrated Madam Forresti,
whose name is in every mouth, pass without hearing her? I must say, I
was completely nonplussed, when young Montague asked me, this morning,
what I thought of her! and when I told him I had not heard her as yet,
he was perfectly astonished, and said I must hear her this very night!"

"But you did not accept of his invitation, Winnie?"

"How could I resist such a temptation? I have been longing to hear Madam
Forresti, and with Mr. Montague for an escort, I do not see the least
impropriety in attending. I need not trouble mother about it, for she is
so nervous to-day she will not leave her room; and I do not think she
can object to my going."

"Oh, Winnie! how could you do so? I know your mother would not wish you
to appear in public with Mr. Montague! Not but that he may be worthy of
attention, but he is the same as a stranger to us, for your father has
known him but a little while, and I noticed that your mother appeared
uneasy when he called last, for he has made us frequent visits, on so
short an acquaintance."

"You do not surely suppose that my father would introduce any one into
his family, who is not a fit associate for his daughter?" retorted
Winnie, her face flushing with exciteme