eyes, which the young man kept as resolutely averted. Mliss had a faint
idea of irony, indulging herself sometimes in a species of sardonic
humor, which was equally visible in her actions and her speech. But
the young man continued in this strain until they had reached Mrs.
Morpher's, and he had deposited Mliss in her maternal charge. Waiving
the invitation of Mrs. Morpher to refreshment and rest, and shading
his eyes with his hand to keep out the blue-eyed Clytemnestra's siren
glances, he excused himself, and went home.

For two or three days after the advent of the dramatic company, Mliss
was late at school, and the master's usual Friday afternoon ramble was
for once omitted, owing to the absence of his trustworthy guide. As he
was putting away his books and preparing to leave the schoolhouse, a
small voice piped at his side, "Please, sir?" The master turned and
there stood Aristides Morpher.

"Well, my little man," said the master, impatiently, "what is it?
quick!"

"Please, sir, me and 'Kerg' thinks that Mliss is going to run away
agin."

"What's that, sir?" said the master, with that unjust testiness with
which we always receive disagreeable news.

"Why, sir, she don't stay home any more, and 'Kerg' and me see her
talking with one of those actor fellers, and she's with him now; and
please, sir, yesterday she told 'Kerg' and me she could make a speech
as well as Miss Cellerstina Montmoressy, and she spouted right off by
heart," and the little fellow paused in a collapsed condition.