Recollect this is not flattery.

I was going on to say, that Reddy _must_ have loved you, but that does not show that she loves you now.

We cannot compress our sentiments; and Diana, Mr.Verty, the god of love, throws his darts when we are not looking--ah!" Which last word of Miss Sallianna's speech represents a sigh she uttered, as, after the manner of Diana, she darted a fatal arrow from her eyes, at Verty.

It did not slay him, however, and he only murmured wofully, "Do you mean Reddy has changed, then, ma'am?
Oh, what will become of me--what shall I do!" Miss Sallianna threw a glance, so much more languishing than the former, upon her companion, that had his heart not been wrapped in Redbud, it certainly would have been pierced.
"Follow her example," simpered Miss Sallianna, looking down with blushing cheeks, and picking at her fan with an air of girlish innocence.

"Could you not do as she has done--and--choose--another object yourself ?" And Miss Sallianna raised her eyes, bashfully, to Verty's face, then cast them with maidenly modesty upon the carpet.
"No, ma'am," said Verty, thoughtfully, and quite ignorant of the deadly attack designed by the fair lady upon his heart--"I don't think I could change." In these simple words the honest Verty answered all.
"Why not ?" simpered the lady.
"Because I don't think Redbud is in love with anybody else," he said; "I know she is not!" "Why, then, has she treated you so badly ?" said Miss Sallianna, gradually forgetting her bashfulness, and reassuming her languishing air and manner--"there must be some laborious circumstance, Mr.
Verty." Verty pressed his head with his hand, and was silent.