straight features, and eyes of softest darkness, sitting before a
large table covered with maps and drawings, which she was trying
vainly to study.

"It is no use!" she cried, at last, pushing back the mass of thick
black hair falling over her white brow; "I shall never be able to get
India by heart, unless I can see the places. I wish papa would let us
go reconnoitering amongst the ruined temples and other mysterious
buildings; it is so annoying staying here day after day, never seeing
anything outside the palace'

"My dear Lianor," said her companion, a young man scarcely older than
herself, and wonderfully like her, "what new idea, have you got now?"

"An idea of seeing more of the curious places I have read so much
about. Fancy living a lifetime in a country and never going beyond one
town! If I do not get some excitement, I shall die of ennui, so I warn
you."

"I quite agree with you, and if uncle would only let us, it would be
delightful, seeking out the temples so long deserted. But you know he
would not," shrugging his shoulders.

"I'm not so sure of that. Papa never refuses me anything, and when he
sees it is necessary to my happiness I should go, he will consent.
Anyhow, I will try," jumping eagerly to her feet. "Come, Leone"

Her cousin rose, and took the white, outstretched hand; then like two
children they crossed the beautiful marble hall, until, arriving
before a door draped with rich curtains, Lianor paused and softly