unstained by any low or degenerate vices, or even
feelings," said Julia, with a little more than her
ordinary enthusiasm; "whose courage is as natural
as it is daring; who is above fear, except of doing
wrong; whose person is an index of his mind, and
whose mind is filled with images of glory; that's
what I call a hero, aunt."

"Then he must be handsome as well as valiant,"
said Miss Emmerson, with a smile that was hardly
perceptible.

"Why that is--is--not absolutely material," replied
Julia, blushing; "but one would wish to have him
handsome too."

"Oh! by all means; it would render his virtues more
striking. But I think you intimated that you knew
such a being," returned Miss Emmerson, fixing her
mild eyes on Julia in a manner that denoted great
interest.

"Did I," said Julia, colouring scarlet; "I am sure--I
have forgotten--it must be a mistake, surely, dear
aunt."

"Very possibly I misunderstood you, my dear," said
Miss Emmerson, rising and withdrawing from the
room, in apparent indifference to the subject.