over to your cabin and stay." North (in the genuine simplicity of
a refined nature)--"But how?" Miss Bessy (half piqued, but
absolutely admiring that nature)--"Quit! and keep your promise!"

They were so happy in these new relations that it occurred to Miss
Bessy one day to take James North to task for obliging her to ask
to be his pupil. "You knew how ignorant I was," she added; and Mr.
North retorted by relating to her the doctor's criticism on her
independence. "To tell you the truth," he added, "I was afraid you
would not take it as kindly as he thought."

"That is, you thought me as vain as yourself. It seems to me you
and the doctor had a great deal to say to each other."

"On the contrary," laughed North, "that was all we said."

"And you didn't make fun of me?"

Perhaps it was not necessary for North to take her hand to
emphasize his denial, but he did.

Miss Bessy, being still reminiscent, perhaps, did not notice it.
"If it hadn't been for that ar--I mean that thar--no, that baby--I
wouldn't have known you!" she said dreamily.

"No," returned North, mischievously, "but you still would have
known Hank Fisher."

No woman is perfect. Miss Bessy looked at him with a sudden--her
first and last--flash of coquetry. Then stooped and kissed--the