When two Ravns meet they, as a rule, differ on every subject; but
as a race they hold religiously together--indeed, in their eyes
there is no other family which is "amusing," the favourite
adjective of the Ravns.

Kristen had a receptive nature; she read everything, and
remembered what she read; that is say, she had a logical mind, for
a retentive memory implies an orderly brain. She was consequently
NUMBER ONE in everything which she took up. This, coupled with the
fact that she lived among those who regarded her somewhat as a
speculation, and consequently flattered her, had early made an
impression on her nature, quite as great, indeed, as the
possession of money.

She was by no means proud, it was not in the Ravn nature to be so;
but at ten years old she had left off playing; she preferred to
wander in the woods and compose ballads. At twelve she insisted on
wearing silk dresses, and, in the teeth of an aunt all curls and
lace and with a terrible flow of words, she carried her point. She
held herself erect and prim in her silks, and still remained
NUMBER ONE. She composed verses about Sir Adge and Maid Else,
about birds and flowers and sad things.

On reaching the age at which other girls, who have the means,
begin to wear silk dresses, she left them off. She was tired, she
said, of the "smooth and glossy."

She now grew enthusiastic for fine wool and expensive velvet of
every shade. Dresses in the Renaissance style became her