"What things?"

"Why, giving in to the magnetic power of a strong man."

"You err slightly, Louis; it is the power, not the giving in that we
delight in, counting it a necessary part of manliness."

"Will you allow me to differ with you? Besides, apart from this great
first cause, I do not understand how, after a week of it, she has not
rebelled."

"I think I can answer that satisfactorily," replied his cousin, a
mischievous smile parting her lips and showing a row of strong white
teeth; "she is in love."

"Also?"

"With Father; and so does as she knows will please him best. Love is
also something every one loves to give in to."

"Every one who loves, you mean."

"Every one loves something or some one."

"Behold the exception, therefore." He moved his head so as to get a
better view of her.

"I do not believe you."

"That--is rude." He kept his eyes meditatively fixed upon her.

"Have you made a discovery in my face?" asked the girl presently,
slightly moving from his gaze.

"No," he replied calmly. "My discovery was made some time ago; I am
merely going over beautiful and pleasant ground."

"Really?" she returned, flushing, "then please look away; you annoy me."

"Why should I, since you know it is done in admiration? You are a woman;
do not pretend distaste for it."

"I shall certainly go upstairs if you persist in talking so
disagreeably."

"Indulge me a little; I feel like talking, and I promise not to be
disagreeable. Always wear white; it becomes you. Never forget that
beauty needs appropriate surroundings. Another thing, ma belle cousine,
this little trick you have of blushing on the slightest provocation
spoils your whole appearance. Your complexion should always retain its
healthy whiteness, while--"

"You have been indulged quite sufficiently, Louis. Do you know, if you
often spoke to me in this manner I should soon hate you?"

"That would indeed be unfortunate. Never hate, Ruth; besides making
enemies, hate is an arch enemy to the face, distorting the softest and
loveliest."

"We cannot love people who calmly sit and irritate us like mocking
tarantulas."

"That is exaggerated, I think. Besides, Heaven forbid our loving
everybody! Never love, Ruth; let liking be strong enough for you. Love
only wears out the body and narrows the mind, all to no purpose. Cupid,
you know, died young, or wasted to plainness, for he never had his
portrait taken after he matured."

"A character suc