than even his sturdy tongue could have done, that the engagement was still in the future. Mentally, as well as physically, he was much depressed. Sinfire, who was still in her Mephistophelian riding-habit, was being tenderly scolded by mother for having exposed herself to such danger; and she seemed to be in high spirits, and laughed and talked with a freedom and brilliance that she had never exhibited before. As I looked and listened, I could forgive poor John for his infatuation: I could almost have fallen in love with the superb young creature myself. And yet, strange to say, I never distrusted her so much as I did then. She is hiding some secret, and it concerns us!
But what a range and scope she has! There was an Oriental quality in her face at that moment, which struck me for the first time. I could imagine that the young Cleopatra might have looked as Sinfire did then. But Cleopatra never looked like a cold, subdued English girl; yet that is one of Sinfire's phases. I wonder whether she is ambitious! I wonder whether she hates anybody! and, if so, whom? and why?
It is time to give Sâprani a bowl of milk. Sâprani is another superb creature, more trustworthy than my cousin Sinfire, not less Oriental, and not, perhaps, more deadly. And Sâprani is very fond of the youngest and most insignificant of the Mainwaring family. Reason and gratitude unite, therefore, in prompting me to bestow upon her my budding affections; and since I am sure not to be interfered with by rivals, the course of our true love has every prospect of running smooth. I will serenade her on the toumril to-night.
IV.
The past week has been one of counsel and uncertainty. I am always involved at such times, but as a sower only, never as a reaper. Everybody seems to think that it is just as much my duty to prescribe for perplexing circumstances as for physical disorders. It is true, they do not think it necessary to accept my prescriptions, unless with some such formula as "Well, that is the conclusion I had arrived at myself." But they would not believe their ears if I were to turn the tables upon them and consult them as to what I had better do.
Mother bore down upon me the other day in her line-of-battle-ship manner. She is, indeed, an impressive and redoubtable old lady. My earliest recollections of her are as a tall and slender person, dressed generally in white, and with a cool, polished, rather sarcastic manner. She was not cool when she got angry, however. How her cheeks would redden and her eyes flash, and what sharp things would issue from her sharp-cut lips! These outbursts used to frighten me thoroughly, and
