Strange things these same chances are, that do so much more in our lives than all our plottings!' 'Tell me something of your friend, perhaps I ought to say your admirer, Nina!' 'Yes, very much my admirer; not seriously, you know, but in that charming sort of adoration we cultivate abroad, that means anything or nothing.

He was not titled, and I am afraid he was not rich, and this last misfortune used to make his attention to me somewhat painful--to _him_ I mean, not to _me_; for, of course, as to anything serious, I looked much higher than a poor Secretary of Legation.' 'Did you ?' asked Kate, with an air of quiet simplicity.
'I should hope I did,' said she haughtily; and she threw a glance at herself in a large mirror, and smiled proudly at the bright image that confronted her.

'Yes, darling, say it out,' cried she, turning to Kate.
'Your eyes have uttered the words already.' 'What words ?' 'Something about insufferable vanity and conceit, and I own to both! Oh, why is it that my high spirits have so run away with me this morning that I have forgotten all reserve and all shame?
But the truth is, I feel half wild with joy, and joy in _my_ nature is another name for recklessness.' 'I sincerely hope not,' said Kate gravely.

'At any rate, you give me another reason for wishing to have Miss O'Shea here.' 'I will not have her--no, not for worlds, Kate, that odious old woman, with her stiff and antiquated propriety.

Cecil would quiz her.' 'I am very certain he would not; at least, if he be such a perfect gentleman as you tell me.' 'Ah, but you'd never know he did it.