It was extraordinary that Grace, whom almost every one would have characterized as a gentle girl, should be of stronger fibre than her interlocutor.

"You exaggerate--cruel, silly young woman," she reiterated, writhing with little agonies.

"It is nothing but playful friendship--nothing! It will be proved by my future conduct.

I shall at once refuse to see him more--since it will make no difference to my heart, and much to my name." "I question if you will refuse to see him again," said Grace, dryly, as with eyes askance she bent a sapling down.

"But I am not incensed against you as you are against me," she added, abandoning the tree to its natural perpendicular.