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I.]
THE EUROPEANS.
13
"My dearest sister," said the young man, always intent upon his drawing, "it's the first time you have told me I am not clever."
"Well, by your own theory I can't call it a mistake," answered his sister, pertinently enough.
The young man gave a clear, fresh laugh. "You, at least, are clever enough, dearest sister," he said.
"I was not so when I proposed this."
"Was it you who proposed it?" asked her brother.
She turned her head and gave him a little stare. "Do you desire the credit of it?"
"If you like, I will take the blame," he said, looking up with a smile.