"They have jolly good times at that table. I wish we were there."

"Indeed! are you bewitched also? I can't see what it is that people
find so attractive in that plain-looking girl."

"Well, for one thing, she has a mind. Beauty without mind is like
salad without dressing."

"And do you mean to say that I have no mind?" Ida asked, with a
sudden flush.

"My dear Coz, we were speaking solely of Miss Burton. Indeed, I
think you have a very decided will of your own."

"I understand you. Well, in what other respects is Miss Burton my
superior?"

"I doubt if Miss Burton ever thinks of herself as superior to any
one, and that's another very amiable trait in her."

"Can you not sum up her perfections a little more rapidly? Life
is short," remarked Ida, acidly.

"Come, Coz, let me get you some sweet-oil before you finish your
supper. You know you are the handsomest girl in the State, and
that's distinction enough for one woman. To you, Miss Burton is
only a plain school-teacher. Why should you envy her?"

"I do not envy her, nor can I see why people are so carried away
with her."