never thinking themselves better."

"I was afraid, I had not seen you out for some time."

"No; going out is a troublesome business, and sitting in the garden
answers the same purpose."

"Of air, perhaps, but hardly of change or of view."

"Oh! I assure you there is a wonderful variety," she answered, with
an eager and brilliant smile.

"Clouds and sunsets?" asked Rachel, beginning to be interested.

"Yes, differing every day. Then I have the tamarisk and its
inhabitants. There has been a tom-tit's nest every year since we
came, and that provides us with infinite amusement. Besides the sea-
gulls are often so good as to float high enough for me to see them.
There is a wonderful charm in a circumcribed view, because one is
obliged to look well into it all."

"Yes; eyes and no eyes apply there," said Rachel.

"We found a great prize, too, the other day. Rosie!"

At the call a brown-haired, brown-eyed child of seven, looking like
a little fawn, sprang to the window from the outside.

"My dear, will you show the sphynx to Miss Curtis?"