wondering greatly at Lottie's unwonted virtue. But there are times
when to laugh is a dreadful necessity, whatever be the consequences.

"Mr. Hemstead," said Lottie, gravely, beginning, as she supposed,
with the safe topic of the weather, "in journeying east have you
come to a colder or warmer climate?"

"Decidedly into a colder one," he answered, significantly.

"Indeed, that rather surprises me!"

"Well, I believe that the thermometer has marked lower with us,
but it has been said, and justly I think, that we do not feel the
cold at the West as at the East."

"No matter," she said, sweetly. "At the East, as in the West, the
cold is followed by thaws and spring."

He looked up quickly and gratefully, but only remarked, "It's a
change we all welcome."

"Not I, for one," said Mr. Harcourt. "Give me a clear, steady
cold. Thaws and spring are synonymous with the sloppy season or
sentimental stage."

"I, too, think steady cold is better in the season of it," remarked
Mr. Dimmerly, sententiously.

"But how about it out of season, uncle?" asked Lottie.