And to see her hold her own against men at games--she's more strength in one of her pretty, white wrists," said Peter, looking with an air of disparagement at his mother's slender, delicate hand, "than you have in your whole body, I do believe." "She is splendidly strong," said Lady Mary; "the very personification of youth and health." She sighed softly.
"And beauty," said Peter, excitedly.

"Don't leave that out.

And a good sort, through and through, as even _you_ must allow, mother." He spoke as though he suspected her of begrudging his praise of Sarah, and she made haste to reply: "Indeed, she is a good sort, dear little Sarah." "She is very fond of you," Peter said, in a choking voice.

It seemed to him, in his infatuation, so touching that Sarah should be fond of any one.

"She was dreadfully afraid of hurting your feelings; but yet, as she said, she was bound to be frank with me." "Oh, Peter, do tell me what you mean.