the same delicate nose and budding mouth; and the same peculiar way of
smiling only with your eyes; in a word--but pardon me, Nora, I forgot
myself in speaking to you so plainly. Here is a new set forming already.
Your sister and her partner are going to dance together again; shall we
join them?" he suddenly inquired, upon seeing that his direct praise, in
which he had spoken in ingenuous frankness, had brought the blushes
again to Nora's cheeks.

She arose and gave him her hand, and he led her forth to the head of the
set that was now forming, where she stood with downcast and blushing
face, admired by all the men, and envied by all the women that were
present.

This was not the only time he danced with her. He was cordial to all his
guests, but he devoted himself to Nora. This exclusive attention of the
young heir to the poor maiden gave anxiety to her sister and offense to
all the other women.

"No good will come of it," said one.

"No good ever does come of a rich young man paying attention to a poor
girl," added another.

"He is making a perfect fool of himself," said a third indignantly.

"He is making a perfect fool of her, you had better say," amended a
fourth, more malignant than the rest.

"Hannah, I don't like it! I'm a sort of elder brother-in-law to her, you
know, and I don't like it. Just see how he looks at her, Hannah! Why, if