From then till I became engaged, just before I was 19, my life flowed on smoothly, one current visible to all and dancing in the sunlight, the other running underground, but full and deep and strong.

As regards my outer life, no girl had a brighter, happier life than mine; studying all the mornings and most of the afternoons in my own way, and spending the latter part of the day in games and walks and rides--varied with parties at which I was one of the merriest of guests.

I practised archery so zealously that I carried up triumphantly as prize for the best score the first ring I ever possessed, while croquet found me a most eager devotee.

My darling mother certainly "spoiled" me, so far as were concerned all the small roughnesses of life.

She never allowed a trouble of any kind to touch me, and cared only that all worries should fall on her, all joys on me.